Episode 75: MS Risk Factors with Epidemiologist Dr. Farren Briggs

One of the fundamental questions on the minds of just about everyone living with MS is How did I get it? What causes MS?  It's a question that's still awaiting a definitive answer. But as we wait for that answer, science is uncovering more and more information about MS risk factors -- the things that can make living with MS better or worse.   My guest is Dr. Farren Briggs, an epidemiologist who's focused on the etiology, or the cause of multiple sclerosis, and the risk factors that actually impact the course of the disease for an individual. We're also talking about the Progressive MS Alliance's commitment to including the voice of people living with MS in MS research. We'll tell you about a study that looked at predicting physical disability and cognitive dysfunction in people living with MS. You'll hear about a study that evaluated the facts that are available on the Internet about diet and MS, how online relaxation therapy can improve anxiety and depression, new guidelines from the U.K. for pregnancy and MS, and how shared decision-making can lead to greater adherence to MS disease-modifying therapy. We have a lot to talk about! Are you ready for RealTalk MS?! ___________ Progressive MS Alliance & Patient Engagement in MS Research   :23 Predicting Physical Disability & Cognitive Dysfunction in MS  2:16 Diet & MS: A Study of Facts vs Beliefs  3:52 Online Relaxation Training Shown To Be Effective in Reducing Anxiety & Depression Among People Living with Long-Term Neurological Conditions  9:57 Guidelines for Pregnancy & MS in the U.K.  11:58 Shared Decision-Making Leads to Greater Adherence to MS Disease-Modifying Therapy  13:40 My Interview with Dr. Farren Briggs  17:34 Add Your Voice To Our Conversation  28:15 ___________ ADD YOUR VOICE TO THE CONVERSATION I've always thought about the RealTalk MS podcast as a conversation. And this is your opportunity to join the conversation by sharing your feedback, questions, and suggestions for topics that we can discuss in future podcast episodes. Please shoot me an email or call the RealTalk MS Listener Hotline and share your thoughts! Email: [email protected] Phone: (310) 526-2283 ___________ LINKSIf your podcast app doesn't allow you to click on these links, you'll find them in the show notes in the RealTalk MS app or at www.RealTalkMS.com Download the RealTalk MS App for iOS Download the RealTalk MS App for Android Give RealTalk MS a Rating & Review STUDY: Predicting Clinical Progression in Multiple Sclerosis After 6 and 12 Years STUDY: Diet and Multiple Sclerosis: Scoping Review of Web-Based Recommendations STUDY: The Effects of Relaxation Training On Depression and Anxiety In People Living with Long-Term Neurological Conditions UK Consensus on Pregnancy in Multiple Sclerosis: Association of British Neurologists Guidelines STUDY: Impact of Shared Decision-Making on Disease-Modifying Drug Adherence in Multiple Sclerosis ___________ Follow RealTalk MS on Twitter, @RealTalkMS_jon, and subscribe to our newsletter at our website, RealTalkMS.com. RealTalk MS Episode 75 Hosted By: Jon Strum Guest: Dr. Farren Briggs Tags: MS, MultipleSclerosis, MSResearch, CWRU, MSDiet