Latest Research

 MS Research Australia (MSRA) has celebrated its 4th Birthday and can demonstrate positive benefit to MS research efforts in Australia. Their successful fundraising, including donations from each of the State MS Societies have seen them support a range of individual projects in 6 major program areas.

The MS Society of WA has supported the national research efforts for many years but significantly increased their donations in 2007/08 and again this year with an injection of $200,000. Current MSRA funded research projects include:

1. The Ausimmune Study Identifying the link between Vitamin D and MS. This multi-centred study is one of the world’s leading programs looking into the environmental exposures influencing the onset & progression of MS.

2. The ANZgene project Collecting thousands of DNA samples, leading to better treatments. Genetics research will isolate genes that may lead to greater understanding of MS susceptibility, and perhaps develop new treatments. The teams are looking at how genes influence the course of MS. Over 2,800 DNA samples have been collected from people around Australia and 1,500 from NZ.

3. The MSRA Brain Bank providing human MS tissue for vital MS research. Launched earlier this year there have now been more than 200 people nationally who have pledged their brains for future MS research.

More information at www.msbrainbank.org.au or ring 1300 672 265

4. The MS Longitudinal Study Looking at how MS affects people’s lives. This study has been running for over 6 years and now involves nearly 3,000 people with MS from around Australia. The study examines the changes in the elements that contribute to an individual’s quality of life, their financial position & adherence to appropriate therapies. Several of the reports already produced have been used to influence Government policy & decision making. The project is ongoing adding valuable insight into living with MS.

5. The MS Clinical Trial Network This network is designed to keep neurologists linked to important studies that test new and improved ways to prevent, diagnose & treat MS.

MSRA is also increasing their support of quality “applied” research projects which investigate and evaluate interventions designed to enhance quality for life for people living with MS.

Recently Professor Tanya Packer and Setareh Gharari, PhD student, of Curtin University of Technology in WA, were funded to conduct a “head to head” comparison of the face-to-face fatigue management course and the newly created e-learning computer based program.

The project will allow for the training of MS staff from each state to become facilitators and conduct the courses for their clients. The MS Society of WA has participated in both evaluations of the initial program and the development and trail of the computer based program in the past 4 years. Setareh was also the recipient of the MS Society of WA 2006 Nursing & Allied Health Professionals Research Grant.

This additional funding is fantastic news and we eagerly await the results of this project.

For more information about MSRA and its research programs go to http://www.msra.org.au To learn more about our fatigue management programs contact the MS Society of WA Occupational Therapy department on 08 9365 4888.