Investigating the genetic influence on multiple sclerosis outcomes

Dr Vilija Jokubaitis is first author on the
  Brain paper

by Dr Loretta Piccenna

Researchers from the Department of Neuroscience at Central Clinical School have found that no common genetic variations (those found in 5% or more of the population) are strongly linked to disease severity in people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).

Published in one of the top neuroscience journals, Brain, the multicentre study instead revealed that multiple genetic loci with small effect sizes were associated with clinical outcomes in people with RRMS. Further, a machine learning algorithm using this information, together with clinical and demographic variables available at disease onset, accurately predicted the severity of the disease.

How a very simple test can help clinicians see subtle cognitive changes in multiple sclerosis

L-R: Dr Daniel Merlo , Prof Helmut Butzkueven and A/Prof Anneke
Van Der Walt are first and senior authors on a paper describing a tool
they have developed for assessing cognitive function in MS.

More than 50% of people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience cognitive problems as part of their disease. These cognitive problems subtly worsen with time and can be difficult to measure with standard neuropsychological assessments. Hence, it can be challenging for neurologists to monitor and detect small changes in cognitive function in day-to-day practice.

Monash researchers have developed a simple set of tests to detect subtle changes in cognitive function in people living with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). The tests are collectively known as ‘MSReactor’.