MStranslate

17/09/2026

MS Society UK has just shared exciting news from early analysis of the OCTOPUS trial that alpha-lipoic acid has moved to the next stage, indicating that it has shown promise as a potential treatment for people living with progressive multiple sclerosis. However, it was also announced that the results for metformin did not suggest any benefits and so will not continue to be investigated in the study.

We’re excited to announce the interim results of our Octopus trial. Alpha-lipoic acid showed early promise as a treatment for progressive MS, but metformin didn't.

16/09/2026

Somehow, MStranslate is 14 today! While we don’t know the exact date we launched, social media tells us that today marks 14 years - so we’re going with it! It’s amazing to think that what started as a dream between two brothers has grown into what it is today. None of it would have happened without our amazing community. Thank you to everyone who has supported us, engaged with us, shared and contributed over the years. Hopefully we won’t have to be doing this for another 14 years… but know that we’ll be here for as long as we’re needed.

15/09/2026

What if we could predict how MS will affect someone and use that knowledge to guide their treatment? That’s the goal of exciting research underway around the world. By analysing huge amounts of data collected from people living with MS over many years, researchers are developing tools to better predict long-term outcomes and support more informed treatment decisions. The result? More personalised care, improved decisions and better lives for people living with MS.

14/09/2026

Brain health is an increasingly important area of multiple sclerosis research, helping us better understand how MS can affect cognition, wellbeing and quality of life. From new research to emerging approaches and practical insights, this will be a hot topic at MSToronto2026. Given the strong interest in this area among people living with MS, the key findings and takeaways will be a major point of discussion during ECTRIMS Patient Community Day.

Register here: https://www.ectrimspatientcommunity.eu/registration

11/09/2026

A study from Columbia University, funded by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, has provided new insights into the genetics of multiple sclerosis. While many genetic factors in MS have been linked to the immune system, this research shows that certain nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord may also play a role in a person’s risk of developing MS. These findings could help researchers better understand MS and, in the future, lead to new ways to prevent or treat the disease.

Read more: https://www.nationalmssociety.org/news-and-magazine/news/genetic-variants-in-nerve-cells

10/09/2026

Today is R U OK? Day. As the video shows, it is a reminder to check in with the people around us - especially those we may be worried about - and ask, “Are you really okay?” But it’s also a reminder that it’s okay if you’re not okay.

If you’re struggling, know that you’re not alone. Reaching out to someone you trust can be the first step towards starting the conversation and there is support available. We’re all better when we make space for honest, open conversations, when we listen without judgement and look out for one another. So today, check in with someone you care about. And if you’re the one who needs checking in on, it’s okay to say, “I’m not okay.” The comments below are a safe space if you simply need somewhere to share, be heard or start the conversation.

09/09/2026

It is Jean Hailes for Women's Health Week in Australia and the theme of today is rest. As their website says, "Getting good sleep is one of the most powerful things you can do for your health and for many women, it's also one of the most difficult things to achieve. Anxiety, perimenopause, pain, shift work, small children - there are so many reasons sleep doesn't come easily". Now what if we also add living with multiple sclerosis to that list? In this fantastic article written by neurologist Dr Leorah Freeman, she explores often overlooked reasons for sleep problems in people living with MS and what conversations healthcare professionals should be having on this topic.

A hidden driver of fatigue, brain fog, and morning headaches in chronic neurologic illness.

08/09/2026

VOTE NOW: As part of an appointment with a neurologist or MS nurse, I have had a discussion about diet as a way to help manage my multiple sclerosis (react with LOVE for YES or WOW for NO)

07/09/2026

A newly published version of the 'Atlas of MS' by the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation has found that there are now 3.1 million people living with multiple sclerosis around the world, an increase from 1.8 million in 2013 and 2.8 million in 2020. As the number of people living with MS continues to rise worldwide, so too does the need for sustained investment in research, high-quality clinical care, effective management and the support needed to improve the health, wellbeing and quality of life for everyone affected by MS.

Image credit: Multiple Sclerosis International Federation

03/09/2026

A new small study from UCLA has found that a combination of the hormones estriol and progesterone may improve cognitive outcomes in menopausal women. Previous research from the same group has also shown that estriol may have beneficial effects for women living with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Given the growing interest in understanding how menopause affects women with MS, this emerging area of research is particularly interesting. It will be important to follow future studies to see whether these findings can be replicated and whether hormone therapy could eventually become a viable treatment approach for managing cognitive changes associated with menopause and MS.