During July 2016, MStranslate has had the privilege of collaborating with Professor George Jelinek and the Neuroepidemiology Unit based at The University of Melbourne. Across a one week period, researchers from the team introduced, discussed and explained aspects of the work they’re currently undertaking. THE EFFECT OF LIFESTYLE MODIFICATIONS ON MANAGING MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SYMPTOMS In our first feature, Professor George Jelinek, head of the Neuroepidemiology Unit, introduces us to the work his team is doing to better understand the role of lifestyle modifications (particularly dietary ones) in managing multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms. Their investigations look to generate evidence for the benefits of the Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis protocol, which Professor Jelinek has developed based on his own experiences of living with MS. OVERCOMING MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS RETREATS Our second feature introduced Dr Keryn Taylor, a Research Fellow at The University of Melbourne. In the below video, Dr Taylor discusses the five day lifestyle modification retreats that she facilitates as part of the Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis (OMS) program. These retreats help provide information about lifestyle changes that people with MS can make to help manage their symptoms on a daily basis. Those interested in possibly attending an upcoming OMS retreat or event can find out more information here. LIFESTYLE MODIFICATIONS TO MANAGE DEPRESSION In addition to facilitating the Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis (OMS) retreats introduced above, Dr Keryn Taylor also leads the Neuroepidemiology Unit’s research into how lifestyle modifications can reduce the risk of developing depression and/or help manage depression in people with MS. In the below video, Dr Taylor discussed this research and its outcomes. COMORBIDITIES IN MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS In our fourth feature, we met Dr Claudia Marck, also a Research Fellow in the Neuroepidemiology Unit at The University of Melbourne. Dr Marck leads research into the other common health problems that people with multiple sclerosis often experience. This research, recently published in PLOS ONE and discussed in the below video, examines the extent to which these health problems can be avoided in people with MS through lifestyle modifications and healthy behaviours (such as the Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis program). OVERCOMING MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS – AN EVIDENCE BASED GUIDE To finish our week long feature, Professor Jelinek returned to introduce his latest Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis (OMS) book, which provides an extensive overview of the scientific evidence behind using lifestyle modifications to manage multiple sclerosis. If you’re interested in obtaining a copy of this book, and live in either Australia, New Zealand or the United Kingdom, a FREE copy can be obtained here. OVERCOMING MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS: A LIVE Q&A DISCUSSION On the Thursday evening of our week dedicated to the work of the Neuroepidemiology Unit at the University of Melbourne, Professor Jelinek, Dr Taylor and Dr Marck made themselves available for a live Q&A discussion with members of the MStranslate community. A full replay of this 40 minute discussion can be viewed below. We thank Professor George Jelinek, Dr Keryn Taylor and Dr Claudia Marck for being so generous with their time, talking honestly and openly about their research to inform members of the MStranslate community about lifestyle modifications that may assist them in managing their MS symptoms. If you have any questions about any of the content featured above, please leave them below and we’ll endeavour to respond as soon as possible.
