Multiple sclerosis-related cognitive loss is a
top concern for people with multiple sclerosis, according to survey
findings
A new survey examines the topic of brain volume loss, known as
brain atrophy, in people with multiple sclerosis. The survey
findings, presented at ECTRIMS 2018, suggest that there is a high
level of interest in better understanding how brain atrophy may
impact disease progression. Sixty-three percent of respondents
reported that they have not talked to any member of their medical
team about brain atrophy; only 20 percent reported being moderately
or very satisfied with the amount of information available on
potential ways to prevent brain atrophy. The survey, conducted by
the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) and sponsored
by Celgene, included more than 1,300 people with multiple sclerosis
or someone responding on their behalf.
“Brain atrophy is strongly correlated with the development of
disability and neuropsychological impairment in patients with
multiple sclerosis. Yet patients generally do not have a clear
understanding of all of the factors that can affect the course of
their disease, especially brain atrophy,” said Rohit Bakshi, M.D.,
M.A., Director, Laboratory for Neuroimaging Research, in the Ann
Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases at Brigham and Women’s
Hospital and the Jack, Sadie and David Breakstone Professor of
Neurology & Radiology at Harvard Medical School. “The survey
data suggest that there is a real need and an opportunity to better
educate people with multiple sclerosis on the role brain atrophy
plays in disease progression.”
Patients are concerned with cognitive issues
Cognitive changes are a common symptom of multiple sclerosis,
affecting more than half of those living with the condition. Based
on the survey findings, maintaining cognitive function is the
second most common concern for respondents, reported by 27 percent
of respondents as the most important consideration in the
management of multiple sclerosis. Only the prevention of physical
disability progression was reported more often (45 percent).
Patients want more information about the importance of brain
atrophy
The progressive shrinkage of nerve tissue in the brain, known as
atrophy, can impair the function of the affected area and is
thought to be related to neuropsychological impairments, including
cognitive deficits, in people with multiple sclerosis. Brain
atrophy also has an impact on disease progression, but the survey
participants indicated that many doctors don’t speak with them
about brain atrophy or the role it plays in disease progression. A
striking 63 percent of respondents reported that they have never
talked to any member of their medical team about brain atrophy. And
while almost 90 percent of respondents have an MRI at least every
three years, only 20 percent said their doctors talked about brain
atrophy when discussing MRI results.
Greater education is needed on the role of brain atrophy in
the management of multiple sclerosis
A growing body of evidence demonstrates that brain atrophy is a
major driver of disease activity and a predictor of long-term
disability. Yet educational materials and initiatives for those
living with multiple sclerosis are lacking; only 20 percent of
respondents were either moderately or very satisfied with the
amount of information available to them on how to potentially
prevent brain atrophy. According to MSAA, neurologists and nurses
could offer critical support in educating people with multiple
sclerosis and their loved ones on the latest research in brain
atrophy.
“Celgene is honored to support the Multiple Sclerosis
Association of America on this important initiative to increase
educational efforts around how multiple sclerosis impacts the brain
and ultimately leads to worsening symptoms, including declines in
cognitive function,” said Joel Beetsch, Vice President, Global
Patient Advocacy, Celgene. “These survey findings further support
that patients could benefit from additional information to better
understand brain atrophy.”
About the Survey
This survey examined participants’ knowledge about the effects
of multiple sclerosis on the brain, including brain atrophy, and
how this issue is being discussed between patients and their
healthcare professionals. Participants in this self-administered
online survey included 1,337 people with multiple sclerosis, or
someone responding on their behalf. Eighty percent of the
respondents were women. The survey was conducted in March of
2018.
Support and funding for this initiative was provided to MSAA by
Celgene.
About Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease in which the immune system
attacks the protective myelin sheath that covers the nerves. The
myelin damage disrupts communication between the brain and the rest
of the body. Ultimately, the nerves themselves may deteriorate — a
process that's currently irreversible. Signs and symptoms vary
widely, depending on the amount of damage and the nerves affected.
Some people living with MS may lose the ability to walk
independently, while others experience long periods of remission
during which they develop no new symptoms. Multiple sclerosis
affects approximately 400,000 people in the U.S. and approximately
2.5 million people worldwide.
Relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) is characterized by clearly
defined attacks of worsening neurologic function. These attacks —
often called relapses, flare-ups or exacerbations — are followed by
partial or complete recovery periods (remissions), during which
symptoms improve partially or completely with no apparent
progression of disease. RMS is the most common disease course at
the time of diagnosis. Approximately 85 percent of patients are
initially diagnosed with RMS, compared with 10-15 percent with
progressive forms of the disease.
Disclosures
Dr. Bakshi has received consulting fees from Bayer, Celgene, EMD
Serono, Genentech, Guerbet, Sanofi-Genzyme and Shire and research
support from EMD Serono and Sanofi-Genzyme.
About Celgene
Celgene Corporation, headquartered in Summit, New Jersey, is an
integrated global pharmaceutical company engaged primarily in the
discovery, development and commercialization of innovative
therapies for the treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases
through next‐generation solutions in protein homeostasis,
immuno‐oncology, epigenetics, immunology and neuro‐inflammation.
For more information, please visit www.celgene.com. Follow
Celgene on Social Media: @Celgene, Pinterest, LinkedIn,
Facebook and YouTube.
About MSAA
The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) is a
national nonprofit organization and leading resource for the entire
MS community, improving lives today through vital services and
support. MSAA provides free programs and services, such as: a
Helpline with trained specialists; award-winning publications,
including MSAA’s magazine, The Motivator; MSAA’s nationally
recognized website featuring award-winning educational videos and
research updates; S.E.A.R.C.H.™ program to assist the MS community
with learning about different treatment choices; a mobile phone
app, My MS Manager™ (named one of the best multiple sclerosis
iPhone & Android apps by Healthline.com); a resource database,
My MS Resource Locator®; safety and mobility equipment
distribution; cooling accessories for heat-sensitive individuals;
educational programs held across the country; MRI funding; My MSAA
Community, a peer-to-peer online support forum; a clinical trial
search tool; and more. For additional information, please visit
www.mymsaa.org or call (800) 532-7667.
Forward-Looking Statements
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are generally statements that are not historical facts.
Forward-looking statements can be identified by the words
“expects,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “intends,” “estimates,”
“plans,” “will,” “outlook” and similar expressions. Forward-looking
statements are based on management’s current plans, estimates,
assumptions and projections, and speak only as of the date they are
made. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking
statement in light of new information or future events, except as
otherwise required by law. Forward-looking statements involve
inherent risks and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to
predict and are generally beyond our control. Actual results or
outcomes may differ materially from those implied by the
forward-looking statements as a result of the impact of a number of
factors, many of which are discussed in more detail in our Annual
Report on Form 10-K and our other reports filed with the U.S.
Securities and Exchange Commission.
Hyperlinks are provided as a convenience and for informational
purposes only. Celgene bears no responsibility for the security or
content of external websites.
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