MStranslate

14/10/2026

Monitoring cognition is an important part of multiple sclerosis care, but cognitive test results don’t always tell the whole story. A new study of 396 people living with MS explored how pain affects cognitive performance and perceived cognitive difficulties. The findings showed that pain did not directly affect cognitive test results, but pain, anxiety, depression and fatigue were linked to how people perceived their cognitive difficulties. These findings highlight the importance of considering other symptoms when assessing cognition in MS, helping clinicians build a more complete picture of a person's cognitive health and the challenges they experience in everyday life.

13/10/2026

Given the growing interest in the impact of menopause on multiple sclerosis, a recent study from Israel, along with the responses and interpretations of scientists worldwide, is particularly important. As with all new scientific developments, the findings should be considered in the broader context of existing evidence and interpreted with caution until further research provides greater clarity.

A new international study suggests menopause-related changes to the body are sudden and "cliff-like", but Australian experts urge caution interpreting the results. Here's why.

12/10/2026

The countdown is on! Just 11 days to go until ECTRIMS Patient Community Day 2026. Session 1 will focus on clinical updates in multiple sclerosis, including discussions from leading experts on the latest information about CAR T-Cell therapy, BTK inhibitors and much more. These insights will come directly from Toronto, fresh from the world’s largest MS research conference. You’ll be hearing information as current as it gets! Register for free here: https://www.ectrimspatientcommunity.eu/registration

09/10/2026

Today is World Mental Health Day, an annual event organised by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Federation for Mental Health. The theme for 2026 is “Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change.” It is an opportunity to recognise that living with MS can bring challenges to mental health and wellbeing, while also reflecting on how we can do more to ensure these experiences are heard, understood and supported. By sharing and listening to one another, we can help drive meaningful change in how mental health and wellbeing are understood and supported within the MS community.

07/10/2026

While there has been growing evidence about the role Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) might play in the initiation of MS, a new study suggests it may also contribute to relapses in people living with MS. Researchers at Mass General Brigham found increased EBV activity and changes in certain immune cells in people with MS up to three months before a relapse, suggesting the virus may interact with genetic risk factors to trigger inflammation. The findings could help researchers better understand what drives relapses, predict when they may occur, and in the future, identify new ways to prevent or treat them.

Mass General Brigham study found distinct immune changes preceding multiple sclerosis relapse, providing new insight into how Epstein-Barr virus reactivation may trigger an MS attack in people with genetic risk factors.

05/10/2026

VOTE NOW: I have used an artificial intelligence (AI) agent, such as ChatGPT, to ask questions and get answers about multiple sclerosis (react with LOVE for YES or react with WOW for NO)

30/09/2026

Congratulations to Prof Sandra Vukusic on being named the winner of the 2026 Rachel Horne Prize, recognising her outstanding contribution to advancing our understanding of women’s health in multiple sclerosis. From pregnancy and breastfeeding to menopause, her work has helped shine a light on important aspects of women’s health, as well as the wider health and wellbeing of women living with MS. Women’s health is MS health and research in these areas matters to all of us.

29/09/2026

In light of the recent positive Octopus trial results for alpha-lipoic acid, MS Australia has provided an update on their extension study - PLATYPUS - including that recruitment will be expanded across the country.

A potential treatment for progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) will continue in a world-first multi-arm, multi-stage adaptive trial after showing encouraging early signs, with recruitment set to expand across Australia.

28/09/2026

A new study from the University of Virginia has tested a modified version of a HIV medication in an animal model of MS and observed very promising early results. This adds to growing evidence that people receiving antiretroviral therapy for HIV may be less likely to develop multiple sclerosis. Similarly, small case studies of people living with both HIV and MS suggest that antiretroviral treatment may reduce the frequency of relapses. A full summary of this research is on our website now.

A new study has found that a modified version of a HIV and hepatitis B drug reversed disability in an animal model of multiple sclerosis.

24/09/2026

While many people might have heard of neurofilament light chain (NfL) as a potential biomarker for disease activity in multiple sclerosis, fewer have heard of GFAP (glial fibrillary acidic protein). A new study has shown that GFAP may be particularly useful at highlighting the risk of disease progression without relapses, known as PIRA. The study, which involved more than 2300 people living with MS, also found that falling GFAP levels during certain treatments were associated with a lower risk of later PIRA. More work is needed, but having reliable biomarkers that can track and predict disease activity in people living with MS would be a big step forward.