(Average reading time – 2 minutes)
Dr Patrick Kearns, Rowling Scholar and Principal Investigator of the FutureMS study, recently joined the Moray MS Community Group to share an overview of current MS research taking place at the Anne Rowling Clinic and to hear directly from people living with MS about the questions and issues that matter most to them.
Around 50 people attended the session, making it a great opportunity to share research, experiences and ideas with the MS community.
The presentation explored some of the research being carried out to help us better understand why MS rates are high in Scotland, and why they can vary between different parts of the country.
Dr Kearns discussed how studies such as FutureMS, the Scottish MS Register and the Horizon study are helping researchers investigate these questions. By bringing together information about people's health, genetics, environment and experiences of MS, researchers hope to identify patterns that can help explain why MS develops and why it affects some populations more than others.
Understanding the role of Epstein-Barr virus
The group also heard about research into Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and its possible role in MS.
EBV is a very common virus, and most people will encounter it during their lifetime. Research has found a strong association between EBV infection and the development of MS, but there is still much to learn about exactly how the virus may contribute to the condition.
Researchers are exploring how EBV may interact with other factors, including a person's genes and their environment. Understanding these connections could help us learn more about why some people develop MS while others do not.
Listening to the MS community
A particularly valuable part of the visit was hearing directly from the group about their priorities for future research.
Meeting with groups like the Moray MS Community Group provides an important opportunity for researchers not only to explain what they are learning, but also to listen. The experiences and questions of people living with MS can help shape the direction of future research and ensure that studies focus on issues that are meaningful to the MS community.
There is still much to discover about why MS is so common in Scotland, why rates vary across the country, and how factors such as EBV, genetics and the environment interact.
The event also included presentations from a range of organisations and services, giving attendees the opportunity to hear about the support, advice and opportunities available to people affected by MS.
By bringing researchers and the MS community together, we can continue to build understanding, share knowledge and work towards better answers for people affected by MS.
A big thank you to the Moray MS Community Group organising committee, assisted by Moray MS Society - Scotland for inviting Dr Kearns and helping to make the session possible, and to all 50 attendees for their enthusiasm, thoughtful questions and contributions to the discussion.
Links
Find out how you can support our research
Find out more about Dr Patrick Kearns
Discover more about the FutureMS research project
Read about the Horizon research project
Visit the Public Health Scotland - Scottish MS Register website
Image courtesy of the Moray MS Community Group