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December 2017
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Hello and welcome to December’s e-newsletter.
In this edition, learn about the latest research including MS patients remyelination, new biomarkers for diagnosis, and the effect diet can have on relapse rate in children.
Then, find out about the events happening around Disability Awareness Week and the chance to attend a documentary film.
Until the next Vitality in February, take care!
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Here we bring you brief summaries on research updates found online from all around the world.
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Thin but persistent regrowth of myelin layers sign of health in CNS, study says.
The generation of a thin myelin sheath during remyelination — one that continues to protect nerve cells over time — is indicative of the long-term health and activity of the central nervous system in demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), a new study shows.
MS patients remyelination can be quite extensive, and the ability of the body to remyelinate nerve cells can also decline as a person ages.
Read more: Multiple Sclerosis News Today
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A new potential biomarker for the diagnosis of MS.
A promising study has found some molecules in the blood which may help diagnose MS. This work could be used to develop a simple blood test to diagnose MS, as well as detect which type (relapsing remitting or progressive) of MS one has.
Currently, there are no definitive tests for MS, nor its progression. Diagnosis and disease monitoring relies on several parameters, including clinical examination and MRI. These tests are costly and have a limited ability to discriminate between relapsing remitting and progressive MS.
Read more: MS International Federation
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Discovering the building blocks for repair and regeneration
In MS, the immune system attacks the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord), stripping the protective myelin layer off individual neurons. Removing this protective layer not only hampers the ability of these cells to transmit the signals between the brain and the body but it also makes the cells vulnerable to degeneration and death.
This degeneration can lead to the accumulation of permanent disabilities in MS, so it is important that we develop methods to protect the nerve cells. This will allow them to survive and repair their protective coating and restore function.
Read more: MS Research Australia
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Maintaining positive friendships may be key to slower memory decline.
Maintaining positive, warm and trusting friendships might be the key to a slower decline in memory and cognitive functioning, according to a new Northwestern Medicine study.
Super Agers -- who are 80 years of age and older who have cognitive ability at least as good as people in their 50s or 60s -- reported having more satisfying, high-quality relationships compared to their cognitively average, same-age peers, the study reports.
Read more: News Medical Life Sciences
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What effect does diet have on relapse rates in children?
In some cases, MS begins during childhood, but why it can start so early, and why some children have more relapses than others, is not clear.
Laboratory models of MS have previously shown that a diet high in fats increases the number of immune cells moving into the brain and spinal cord. These immune cells may then cause the inflammation that leads to the symptoms of MS. However, the role of diet, and specifically the amount of fat one eats, on the rate of relapses in children has not been well studied.
Read more: MS Research Australia
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MSWA Wilson Forum
Wilson Health Education and Peer Support will be holding an information night about new medication, symptom/relapse management and diet. Discussion will go wherever attendees decide to take it.
When: Wednesday, 6 December
Time: 5pm to 7:30pm
Location: MSWA Wilson Outreach
If you are interested in attending, please contact Sarah Lorrimar.
Phone: 9365 4858
Email: sarahlorrimar@mswa.org.au
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Documentary Film ‘Defiant Lives’
The Department of Communities is hosting a special one-time screening of the film Defiant Lives, to reserve your tickets, please visit the Demand Film Event Page.
When: Thursday, 7 December 2017
Time: 6:30pm
Location: The Grove Community Centre (wheelchair accessible venue)
1 Leake Street, Perth, Western Australia, 6011, Australia
Tickets:
Adult: $16.85
19 wheelchair space(s) available
To purchase tickets: Demand Film
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International Day of People with Disability
Celebrating Disability Awareness Week 3 to 9 December 2017 & International Day of People with Disability 3 December 2017.
Come and try free golf classes, all abilities are welcome. Classes are held at The Vines Resort & Country Club in Perth’s beautiful Swan Valley. This program is an initiative of The Vines Resort & Country Club, MTI Golf Academy & Golf WA. Proudly supported by the WA Golf Foundation and the Department of Sport & Recreation.
Conducted by MTI Golf Academy, winner of the 2015 WA Golf Industry Council’s Outstanding Game Development Award, participants will learn golf skills in a fun, friendly and supportive environment. In addition, the program aims to help build confidence and friendships by providing healthy interaction.
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When: Monday, 4 December 9:30am to 10:30am
Wednesday, 6 December 11am to 12noon
Friday, 8 December 9:30a, to 10:30am
Location: The Vines Resort & Country Club
For bookings please contact Mark Tibbles.
Mobile: 0413 824 477
Email: mtigolfacademy@gmail.com
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Living Books Session – Disability Awareness Week
The City of Wanneroo is looking for volunteers who are interested in telling their personal story, as either a person living with a disability, or a carer of someone living with a disability.
When: Tuesday, 5 December
Time: 10am-12pm
Location: Wanneroo Library
If you are interested in discussing this opportunity further, please contact Greg Watson.
Mobile: 0403 272 100
Email: greg.watson@humanlibrary.org
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Wangara is now closed!
Our new premises in Joondalup will open this Friday. The small service hub offers a gym, massage area, consulting rooms and offices where Members can be seen by appointment. If you would like to speak with staff, please call 9365 4888 and ask Janet to put you through to the appropriate staff member.
When: Friday, 1 December 2017
Location: Unit 6 320 Joondalup Drive Joondalup
Want to learn more about the NDIS?
As a registered service provider with the NDIS, our team of experienced staff can provide information about the roll out areas and eligibility. As the NDIS comes to your area, we will hold information sessions to assist Members with the processes and planning your individual needs.
Find out how we can help today.
Phone: 1800 287 367
Submit an enquiry: NDIS Support
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Member Services over the Festive Season.
Over the Xmas break some of our services close, including the Outreach Group sessions, whilst some have reduced cover.
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Please see below for some important information:
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Wilson Reception, 9365 4888, is unmanned from 2PM Friday, 22 December 2017 to Monday, 8 January 2018.
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MS Nursing cover is reduced between Friday, 15 December 2017 to Friday, 12 January 2018. However, if you would like to speak with an MS nurse please call 0458 362 1888 excluding weekends and public holidays.
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An On-call counselling service is available, please call 0458 999 422 excluding weekends and public holidays, staff return to work on Tuesday, 2 January 2018.
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Individual Options out of hours contact number is 0417 982 814
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Our Get-In-Touch@mswa.org.au email is monitored over the break
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Beechboro Lodge is closed for renovations from Friday, 15 December 2017 to Monday, 15 January 2018.
On behalf of all the Member Services staff, we wish you a safe and happy holiday season and look forward to working with you again, in 2018.
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If you've got an interesting story that you would like to share with our readers, we would love to hear from you. Please contact Caitlin Skinner caitlin.skinner@mswa.org.au or phone 6454 3130.
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