On 30 May, World Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Day, Riga Stradiņš University (RSU) and the Multiple Sclerosis Unit at Riga East Clinical University Hospital (RAKUS) marked the occasion by emphasising the importance of new research and recent breakthroughs in the field of multiple sclerosis in Latvia. World MS Day serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about the condition and foster ongoing discussions about improving MS treatment and care.

To commemorate the day, RSU faculty members and RAKUS representatives hosted an online event, where they presented the latest findings from MS research. The event aimed to engage both patients and the general public, providing a platform for understanding the disease and exploring the latest advancements in treatment and care.

Understanding Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. The disease leads to a wide range of neurological impairments, which may include cognitive, emotional, motor, sensory, and visual disturbances. Over time, these impairments can progress and cause significant disability in affected individuals.

Professor Guntis Karelis, from RSU’s Department of Infectology and Head of the Neurology and Neurosurgery Clinic at RAKUS, highlighted the significance of MS in younger adults:

"As the average age of diagnosis for multiple sclerosis is just 32 years old, it is the most common neurological cause of disability among young, economically active people. Every five minutes, one person in the world is diagnosed with MS. Globally, it affects nearly 2.5 million people, with over 2,000 cases here in Latvia."

Advancements in MS Research

During the event, attention was drawn to a new research initiative focused on identifying biomarkers that could signal neuroinflammatory activity before visible changes are detected on MRI scans. This early detection could enable healthcare professionals to adjust treatment strategies in a timely manner, improving patient outcomes.

The study, conducted by a team of RSU researchers in collaboration with the Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre and the RAKUS Neurology and Neurosurgery Clinic, is part of the Ministry of Economics’ national research programme. The project, supported by the Innovation Fund’s Sectoral Research Programme (project no. VPP-EM-BIOMEDICINE-2022/1-0001), aims to advance MS treatment and diagnosis in Latvia.

Preventive Measures and Policy Development

Associate Professor Dr Oksana Koļesova, lead researcher at the RSU Institute of Microbiology and Virology, emphasised the potential impact of the study’s findings:

“The results of this research open up new possibilities for preventive action and targeted therapy adjustments. This knowledge will not only help to improve healthcare policies but also aid in developing more effective strategies to minimise the negative effects of MS on patients, their families, and society as a whole."

Dr Koļesova also stressed the importance of education and understanding when it comes to multiple sclerosis. Increased awareness can help dispel myths, reduce stigma, and ensure that people with MS and their families receive the necessary support and treatment options.

Raising Awareness and Offering Support

World MS Day is not only a chance for patients to gain a deeper understanding of their condition and take positive responsibility for their health, but it is also an opportunity for the wider public to engage with the topic. The event covered a broad range of subjects, including psychological support, rehabilitation, issues related to urinary function, and stem cell transplantation.

Everyone was encouraged to take part in the discussions, helping to foster a sense of community and support for those affected by multiple sclerosis.

30/05/2024