News RoundUp 3

as at 28 January 2008

MS in film

A recent review examining fictional portrayals of MS in film and on television suggests that it has remained largely unexamined to date.

The author has identified relevant productions by means of international film databases and by hand search. Each film is systematically evaluated along neurological and cinematic lines.

Between 1941 and 2006, MS appeared as a theme only in 23 films.

Interestingly, the review says that: “Because screenplay writers often make use of medical knowledge, from a neurological perspective, many films present a largely accurate picture of this disease's symptoms.”

The review observes that the visual character of the film medium along with the effects of dramatic composition, result in the prominence of certain symptoms, such as ataxia (a neurological symptom consisting of gross non-coordination of muscle movements), paralysis, blurred vision and fatigue are found in films with the same frequency as in epidemiological studies. Whereas sensory symptoms, eye movement disorders, incontinence and difficulties with sexual function were under represented.

These films portray the effects of MS on patients’ self-image, the psychological adaptation process and their relations with others in a special way.

In particular, they note: “Parallel with improvements in therapy and changing social attitudes toward the handicapped, these films have progressed from the earlier ‘disaster’ to modern ‘coping’ stories.”

They also note that the “often life-like portrayal of MS distinguishes these films from the stereotypic representation of other neurological diseases.”

Investigational MS oral medication

If you’ve been diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS, it’s important to know you are not alone. Of the 2.5 million people with MS worldwide, 85 percent have RRMS, reports the US National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Currently, two clinical studies are under way to determine the safety and effectiveness of a new investigational oral medication for RRMS. BG00012 is a fumaric acid derivative and contains the active ingredient dimethyl fumarate.

Scientists think that this investigational oral (capsule) medication may have two effects: it may prevent further damage to the central nervous system and may reduce inflammation.

In addition to assessing whether BG00012 can reduce relapses, both studies will also assess the effect of BG00012 on disability progression and disease activity.

Highly skilled clinicians and researchers are conducting these studies and will closely monitor patients throughout their participation.