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The professor of neurology at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine discussed the evolving role of noninvasive neuromodulation in promoting brain plasticity. [WATCH TIME: 3 minutes]

Enhancing Brain Plasticity by Personalized and Closed-Loop Neuromodulation: Roy H. Hamilton, MD, MS, FAAN

Articles

A study involving 20 patients with ALS found that longitudinal muscle MRI detected progressive atrophy and correlated with muscle strength loss, supporting its potential as a biomarker for ALS progression and clinical trials.

Muscle MRI May Serve as Sensitive Biomarker for ALS Disease Progression

This episode explores treatment considerations for patients already living with SMA, emphasizing individualized goals, medical complexity, and the value of subtle clinical improvements.

Setting Realistic Goals for Long-Standing Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Evan L. Smith, PhD, assistant professor of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at University of Michigan, discussed how emotional wellbeing, motivation, and evidence-based therapies can significantly influence outcomes in MS.

Psychological Perspective on the Role of Mental Health in MS Rehabilitation and Care

Marco Meglio, Assistant Managing Editor for 

, has been with the team since October 2019. Follow him on Twitter 

, has been with the team since September 2022. Follow her on Twitter 

In this episode, neurologists unpack the urgent and complex treatment decisions in newly diagnosed SMA, highlighting clinical factors, family input, and the importance of shared decision-making.

Starting Treatment in SMA: What Clinicians Need to Consider

The research portfolio director at the Muscular Dystrophy Association highlighted advances in gene-targeted therapies and biomarker development as potential key drivers of progress in ALS.

NeuroVoices: Brian Lin, PhD, on Targeted Therapies and Biomarkers to Drive New Momentum in ALS Research

The multiple sclerosis condition center is a resource for clinical news on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of multiple sclerosis. | NeurologyLive.


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Clinical

 MS Disease Spotlight page offers specific updates and coverage on the latest expert conversations and data readouts related to the treatment and management of patients with multiple sclerosis and demyelinating disorders.

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The Mind Moments podcast features exclusive interviews with leaders in the field discussing the latest research and disease management strategies across the breadth of neurology, including epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson disease, dementia, sleep disorders, and more.

In this episode, "Understanding Major Changes to New McDonald Criteria for Multiple Sclerosis," Daniel Ontaneda, MD, PhD, a staff member of the Cleveland Clinic Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis, provided an in-depth overview on the new McDonald criteria to diagnose multiple sclerosis (MS), which was presented at the 

40th Congress of the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS)

. Ontaneda, who also serves as an assistant professor of neurology, discussed the most notable changes to the criteria and how it may help towards improving rates of misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis. He spoke on the incorporation of new biomarkers, such as central vein sign and paramagnetic rim lesions, and the ability to diagnose MS in stages before clinical presentation shows. Furthermore, Ontaneda gave some perspective on the areas of the new criteria that will take some time to adjust to, as well as how these criteria may change the philosophical perspective of the disease as a whole.


The stories featured in this week's Neurology News Minute, which will give you quick updates on the following developments in neurology, are further detailed here:

Potential Regulatory Submission for Inebilizumab in Myasthenia Gravis Following Positive Phase 3 MINT Data

Parkinson Agent Tavapadon Meets Primary and Secondary End Points as Monotherapy in Phase 3 TEMPO-1 Trial

Sage Therapeutics and Biogen Officially Announce Ending of SAGE-324 Program in Essential Tremor

 – Focus and direction of new diagnostic criteria

 – Overviewing specific changes to McDonald criteria

 – Approach to diagnosing pre-MS; treating radiologically isolated syndrome earlier

 – Incorporation of new biomarkers, central vein sign, paramagnetic rim lesions, OCT

 – Unanswered questions/challenges left out of the diagnostic criteria

 to subscribe to the Mind Moments podcast. Be sure to leave a rating and review for the show. Thanks for listening!

Hoping to listen on your favorite podcast app? See below:

European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis Congress (ECTRIMS)

Mind Moments®, a podcast from NeurologyLive®, brings you an exclusive interview with Daniel Ontaneda, MD, PhD. [LISTEN TIME: 27 minutes]

Episode 125: Understanding Major Changes to New McDonald Criteria for Multiple Sclerosis

The Mind Moments podcast features exclusive interviews with leaders in the field discussing the latest research and disease management strategies across the breadth of neurology, including epilepsy, multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson disease, dementia, sleep disorders, and more.

Episode 47, "Incorporating Physical Therapy Into MS Care," features an exclusive interview with Patricia Bobryk, MHS, PT, MSCS, ATP, physical therapist, UC Health, and cochair, 

International Organization of MS Rehabilitation Therapists (IOMSRT)

. Bobryk shared her insight into the clinical care of MS from the perspective of a rehabilitative specialist, and the importance of including physical therapy approaches as part of the multidisciplinary approach to care as early as possible to ensure more beneficial long-term outcomes for patients, also speaking to the latest advances and developments in rehabilitative medicine.

The stories feature in this week's Neurology News Minute, which will give you quick updates on the following developments in neurology, are further detailed here:

Noncontact Boxing Exercise Assessed for Parkinson Disease Benefit

Opicapone Demonstrates Small Benefit for Sleep in Parkinson Disease

Amylyx Announces Plans to Submit NDA for AMX0035 for ALS

Episode Breakdown

"Mind Moments," a podcast from NeurologyLive, brings you an exclusive interview with Patricia Bobryk, MHS, PT, MSCS, ATP.

Episode 47: Incorporating Physical Therapy Into MS Care

Episode 38, "Advancing MS Care and Awareness," features an interview with Barry Hendin, MD, clinical professor, University of Arizona; director, Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, Banner University Medical Center; and chief medical officer, Multiple Sclerosis Association of America. He shared his perspective on the recent World MS Day on May 30, the impact awareness efforts have had on care, and how treatment has evolved during his time as a multiple scleorsis (MS) physician.

"Mind Moments," a podcast from NeurologyLive, brings you an exclusive interview with Barry Hendin, MD.

Episode 38: Advancing MS Care and Awareness

The award ceremony is supported by Viatris and will take place on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona, during the 2025 CMSC Annual Meeting.

NeurologyLive® and CMSC Announce the Fourth Class of Giants of Multiple Sclerosis® Inductees

Jack P. Antel, MD, professor of neurology and neurosurgery at McGill University, reflected on key advances in neuroimmune research and their implications for understanding and treating MS. 

Evolving Clinical Insights Into Neuroimmune Mechanisms and Multiple Sclerosis Progression

Bruce Bebo, PhD, and Amit Bar-Or, MD, FRCPC, FAAN, FANA, discussed the impact of the John Dystel Prize on multiple sclerosis research and its role in shaping future clinical advancements. 

Advancing MS Research Through Recognition and Innovation: The John Dystel Prize

In a large Swedish MS cohort, higher combined intake of lean and oily fish was linked to significantly reduced risks of confirmed disability worsening and EDSS progression, independent of lifestyle factors.

Fish Consumption Leads to Better Disability Progression in Multiple Sclerosis

The executive vice president of research at the National MS Society talked about how the award continues to honor transformative multiple sclerosis research and inspire the next generation of investigators. 

Celebrating Innovation in MS Research With the John Dystel Prize: Bruce Bebo, PhD

“I think we’ll look back—when the cures are found for MS—and we’ll see these lectures at the Academy meeting as milestones and significant jumps in our understanding of MS that led to those cures.”

The John Dystel Prize for Multiple Sclerosis Research, presented by the 

 (the Society) in partnership with the American Academy of Neurology (AAN), honors exceptional research that has significantly advanced the understanding, prevention, treatment, or potential cure of multiple sclerosis (MS). Valued at $40,000, the award highlights innovative and impactful scientific work that has reshaped the way MS is viewed and managed. While leadership and service to the MS community are acknowledged, the primary focus is on transformative, ongoing research rather than lifetime achievement.

Primary considerations of the award include the significance of the research, particularly its impact on advancing understanding or influencing the treatment and management of MS; the originality of the work, including the introduction of new ideas, methods, or findings; and the candidate’s role as the primary contributor to the research efforts. Evaluation also takes into account the researcher’s academic track record, such as publication history, authorship roles, and citation impact, as well as the relevance of the work to key areas of MS research including disease mechanisms, diagnosis, treatment, and patient care.

, held April 5-9, in San Diego, California, MS expert 

, was named the recipient of this year’s award. During the meeting, 

, executive vice president of research at the Society, sat down with 

to highlight the importance of celebrating key scientific discoveries that have transformed treatment approaches in MS. Bebo also underscored the role of the prize and its associated lecture at the AAN Annual Meeting in inspiring young investigators, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and promoting a shared commitment to finding a cure. He concluded by praising Bar-Or for his ongoing contributions to precision medicine in the field.

Click here for more coverage of AAN 2025.

REFERENCES
1. Dr. Amit Bar-Or, Penn Medicine Neuroimmunologist, Awarded the 2025 John Dystel Prize for Multiple Sclerosis Research. News Release. National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Published March 20, 2025. Accessed April 8, 2025. https://www.nationalmssociety.org/news-and-magazine/news/bar-or-wins-2025-dystel-prize
2. Bar-Or A. 2025 John Dystel Prize for Multiple Sclerosis Research. Presented at: 2025 AAN Annual Meeting; April 5-9; San Diego, CA. Multiple Sclerosis: Biomarkers in MS.

The executive vice president of research at the National MS Society talked about how the award continues to honor transformative multiple sclerosis research and inspire the next generation of investigators. [WATCH TIME: 5 minutes]

SAP Partners

The director of NYU Langone's Multiple Sclerosis Comprehensive Care Center discussed the importance of early, high-efficacy treatment for pediatric MS. 

Advancements and Challenges in Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Treatment: Lauren B. Krupp, MD

"We now have therapies that are highly effective, and since young people with MS relapse or have clinical attacks more frequently than older people with MS, it's very important to get those therapies on board quickly."

Pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder affecting the central nervous system, with onset occurring before the age of 18 years. It accounts for approximately between 3% to 5% of all MS cases and is characterized predominantly by a relapsing-remitting course, where periods of neurological symptoms are followed by remissions.

 Diagnosis can be challenging because of overlapping symptoms with other pediatric neurological conditions. Early initiation of disease-modifying therapies may be crucial to manage relapses and delay progression. Beyond physical symptoms, pediatric MS can impact cognitive and emotional development, highlighting the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to care.

2025 American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Annual Meeting

, held April 5-9, in San Diego, California, a program offered a comprehensive overview of pediatric-onset MS, focusing on its distinct biological, clinical, and psychosocial features.

 Led by experts Jennifer Graves, MD, PhD, and 

, the session guided participants through the latest approaches to diagnosis and disease-modifying therapy selection, emphasizing the unique considerations required for treating children and adolescents. The program also explored the cognitive and emotional impacts of the disease, the role of rehabilitation and physical activity, and the influence of social determinants of health—aiming to equip clinicians with practical strategies for delivering holistic, patient-centered care.

Following the session, Krupp, director of the Multiple Sclerosis Comprehensive Care Center at 

In the conversation, she highlighted the evolving treatment landscape for pediatric MS emphasizing the benefits of initiating high-efficacy therapies early because of the high relapse rates in younger patients. Krupp, who also serves as the Nancy Glickenhaus Pier Professor of Pediatric Neuropsychiatry at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, stressed the need to monitor for long-term risks such as infections associated with immunosuppressive therapies. Beyond clinical management, she discussed the psychosocial challenges faced by adolescents with MS and underscored the importance of multidisciplinary support to address emotional and social needs alongside medical care.

REFERENCES
1. Brola W, Steinborn B. Pediatric multiple sclerosis - current status of epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment. Neurol Neurochir Pol. 2020;54(6):508-517. doi:10.5603/PJNNS.a2020.0069
2. Krupp LB. Pediatric MS: Causes and Consequences from an Ecological and Psychosocial Perspective. Presented at: 2025 AAN Annual Meeting; April 5-9; San Diego, CA. Treatment of Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis in the Current Era. 

Editor’s Note: Krupp has disclosed that she has received personal compensation for serving as a Consultant for Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Medscape, and EBIX. Krupp also has received personal compensation for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for Biogen, and Hoffman LaRoche. She has received personal compensation for serving as an Expert Witness for MMMK and for serving as an Expert Witness for Patrick, Dolan, and Kaufman. Krupp noted that she has received intellectual property interests from a discovery or technology relating to health care.

The director of NYU Langone's Multiple Sclerosis Comprehensive Care Center discussed the importance of early, high-efficacy treatment for pediatric MS. [WATCH TIME: 3 minutes]

Experts discussed recent advancements in diagnostic criteria, imaging techniques, and the evolving understanding of multiple sclerosis subtypes and treatment responses. 

Key Insights from ACTRIMS Forum 2025: Diagnostic Criteria, Imaging, and MS Subtypes

2025 Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ACTRIMS) Forum

, held February 27 to March 1, in West Palm Beach, Florida. This CE-accredited meeting featured a single track of scientific and clinical presentations focused on advancing research and treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS) and related disorders. The 2025 theme, "Making Connections," emphasized linking aging to MS pathology, exploring cross-disorder and neuroanatomical connections, bridging data with clinical application, and investigating brain repair and protection. Designed for researchers, clinicians, students, and fellows, the 

 Forum provided opportunities to engage with experts, optimize MS management, and explore emerging concepts in neuroimmunology.

 held a roundtable discussion with MS experts who talked about key advancements in MS treatment and research that were discussed during the 2025 ACTRIMS Forum. The experts shared their thoughts on which sessions from the Forum that could have the most immediate impact on clinical practice and examined how emerging therapies could transform MS treatment in the coming years. They also explored the role of AI and machine learning in MS as well as the increasing focus on aging and MS progression. The panelists in this conversation included neuroimmunologist Moein Amin, MD, neurologist 

In this first episode, experts shared valuable insights into how evolving diagnostic criteria and imaging tools can potentially reshape clinical practice for MS. Key discussions at the Forum focused on the potential impact of the new diagnostic criteria, including the integration of the central vein sign (CVS), and its ability to diagnose MS earlier, which could lead to more timely treatment. Other topics presented included the role of paramagnetic rim lesions (PRLs) in assessing treatment effects and the debate over whether MS should be considered as distinct subtypes or a single disease. These discussions held at the Forum highlighted the possible need for advanced biomarkers and imaging techniques in MS diagnosis and management.

: The first question I have here is based on the ACTRIMS Forum that was recently held. Which session from the agenda do you think will have the most immediate impact on clinical practice and why? There’s just been a lot of discussion, from the new criteria to innovations and AI. So, does anybody want to talk about what they feel has an impact on care here?

: I mean, I can start us off, if that's okay. I think ACTRIMS is a really interesting conference because it really spans from in-the-lab, basic research all the way to what can affect clinical care. And so, we’re always trying to pull out those pearls, like, "What can we take back to our clinic today?" Because a lot of the meeting is still in that development phase, and it’s one of the next steps in the field. But I do think there were a couple of very pertinent clinical pearls about what we can change in practice right now. And as you already alluded to, I think it really is more around diagnosis.

For me, one of the best sessions at ACTRIMS is typically the late-breaking session or the one on clinical trials because that's sort of the closest to our clinics. I think there were 2 talks in that session that really stood out to me. The first one was presented by Jiwon Oh, MD, PhD, on the tolebrutinib (Sanofi) study, specifically looking at PRLs (paramagnetic rim lesions). I found it really interesting because, obviously, the Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors are at the forefront of many clinicians' minds right now as we’re awaiting to see, "Is this something we’re going to start implementing in clinical practice?" A big question around its use is patient selection, which is always something we think about with disease-modifying therapies. But as we start to think about progressive treatments, it gets a little trickier because it’s not necessarily a one-size-fits-all approach. Oh’s presentation looked at the proportion of PRLs in the tolabrutinib study participants. My interpretation was that patients with more of these lesions seemed to show a greater treatment effect. So it’s an interesting concept: is this something we could use more in clinical practice to potentially monitor treatment effects, use it more in trials, and think about it as an outcome we’re monitoring? It’s not something we’re currently using day-to-day, but it’s something we could integrate into practice. That was really interesting.

Along the same lines, still in an imaging vein, I know Amin has a lot to say about this, was the last session on the use of the new diagnostic criteria, specifically looking at the CAVS-MS data and patients who wouldn’t have met the diagnostic criteria yet. This session explored how the integration of the CVS changes the ability to diagnose patients. I think the key takeaway here was that, with these new diagnostic criteria using the CVS, almost a third of patients would actually have met the diagnostic criteria. For us as clinicians, that’s really exciting because it means that the use of central vein will shift how we think about diagnosis and gives us another tool. We’re always looking for ways to diagnose patients sooner so they can start treatment when we know it’s most effective. I thought that session showed us that we should be integrating these MRI metrics into clinical practice more, both from a treatment response and a diagnosis standpoint. But I don’t know, that was my favorite session. I’m curious if the others were in that one or had any other sessions they really enjoyed.

Yeah, I agree with you on the late-breaking abstract sessions. The last session, looking at the application of the new proposed diagnostic criteria for patients who wouldn’t have otherwise met the diagnostic criteria for multiple sclerosis, is going to help us clarify diagnoses for that group of patients. As clinicians, we all want to help them and get them a clear diagnosis, but there are limitations with the current diagnostic criteria. So, I think we’re all eagerly waiting for the new criteria to be released later this year so we can start applying it in clinical practice, more widely across the U.S.

For myself, one other session that I thought had an immediate clinical application—though it may not be something you see day-to-day—was the debate on whether we think there are truly different subtypes of multiple sclerosis or if MS is just one disease as a whole. It’s fascinating to hear both sides of the argument. Many times, we have patients ask us in the clinic, “What kind of MS do I have? Is it relapsing-remitting? Is it primary progressive? Is it secondary progressive?” and it’s always difficult to answer those questions because MS is a very dynamic disease and it varies from person to person.

It’s interesting to hear both sides of the argument—while there are common upstream effects and shared genetic factors across all MS pathophysiology, there are also a lot of similar immunopathological abnormalities. However, specifically with machine learning, some of these approaches are being applied to identify clusters and subgroups of MS presentations that go beyond just using MRI or clinical data to categorize someone as primary progressive or relapsing-remitting MS. There’s potential to use more advanced biomarkers to identify different stages of the disease, which may shift over time but could give us additional prognostic information regarding a patient’s response to treatment. I thought that was an interesting discussion as well.

 I’ll try to wrap up. With ACTRIMS, it’s always very basic science-heavy, so sometimes it’s hard to find things that will have an immediate impact in the clinic. But one thing I thought was interesting from the basic science perspective was a talk on CAR T. Not so much for treatment, which we’re all excited about, but using CAR T to induce demyelinating disease in animals for animal models. They created CAR T-cells targeting the MOG protein. I think the idea that we might be able to create animal models that more closely mimic MS is exciting. The better our animal models are, the faster we can hopefully move treatment candidates from the lab to human testing. While it may still take a few years, getting those candidate molecules through the lab stage faster will be helpful in promoting new treatments and potentially discovering new mechanisms of action to address some of the more difficult-to-treat aspects of MS, like progression.

Click here for coverage of 2025 ACTRIMS Forum.

Experts discussed recent advancements in diagnostic criteria, imaging techniques, and the evolving understanding of multiple sclerosis subtypes and treatment responses. [WATCH TIME: 10 minutes]

The Melissa and Paul Anderson President’s Distinguished Professor of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania discussed evolving insights into the cellular immunology of multiple sclerosis. 

Understanding the Cellular Drivers of MS Progression and Treatment Response: Amit Bar-Or, MD, FRCPC, FAAN, FANA

“There's nothing more gratifying than when your peers basically are saying, ‘You seem to be on the right track.’ I think that's the main message—that all of us work hard, passionately—and so it's really humbling and very rewarding to have that recognition.”

The John Dystel Prize for Multiple Sclerosis Research, a notable honor, is jointly awarded by the 

 and the American Academy of Neurology. Established in 1994 by Oscar and Marion Dystel in honor of their son, John Jay Dystel—an attorney whose life and career were cut short by multiple sclerosis (MS)—the prize recognizes outstanding contributions to MS research. This year’s recipient, 

, is being honored for his groundbreaking work in neuroimmunology, precision medicine, and biomarker discovery. He delivered the Dystel Lecture and received the award at the 

, held April 5-9, in San Diego, California.

Bar-Or’s research has transformed the understanding of immune system involvement in MS, particularly the role of B cells in disease progression—insights that have supported the development of several high-efficacy therapies. His work continues to push boundaries, from advancing experimental treatments like BTK inhibitors to exploring how MS therapies interact with immune responses, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic. A key focus of his lab is precision medicine, identifying patient subgroups through immune profiling to better guide treatment decisions. Through his leadership in biomarker development, Bar-Or is helping shape a future where MS care is more personalized and proactive.

At the 2025 AAN Annual Meeting, Bar-Or, Melissa and Paul Anderson President’s Distinguished Professor of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, sat down with 

to share recent advances in understanding the cellular immunology of MS, emphasizing the importance of immune cell balance in disease onset and progression. He highlighted the heterogeneity among patients and the need for biological markers that can detect underlying processes driving both relapsing and progressive MS. Or-Bar also discussed the progress made in treating relapsing MS and the promise of next-generation therapies in targeting progressive forms of the disease. Furthermore, he reflected on the importance of repair-focused research and the recognition of scientific contributions by the MS community.

REFERENCES
1. Dr. Amit Bar-Or, Penn Medicine Neuroimmunologist, Awarded the 2025 John Dystel Prize for Multiple Sclerosis Research. News Release. National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Published March 20, 2025. Accessed April 8, 2025. https://www.nationalmssociety.org/news-and-magazine/news/bar-or-wins-2025-dystel-prize
2. Bar-Or A. 2025 John Dystel Prize for Multiple Sclerosis Research. Presented at: 2025 AAN Annual Meeting; April 5-9; San Diego, CA. Multiple Sclerosis: Biomarkers in MS. 

Editor’s Note: Bar-Or has disclosed that he has received personal compensation for serving as a Consultant for Roche Genentech, Novartis, Biogen, Merk/EMD Serono, Sanofi-Genzyme, cabaletta. He also has received personal compensation for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for Roche/Genentech, Novartis, Merck/EMD Serono, and Sanofi/Genzyme. The institution of Bar-Or has received research support from Novartis, Biogen, and Roche/Genentech.

The Melissa and Paul Anderson President’s Distinguished Professor of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania discussed evolving insights into the cellular immunology of multiple sclerosis. [WATCH TIME: 4 minutes]

The assistant professor in the department of neurology at Mount Sinai discussed distinguishing cognitive impairment in MS from AD emphasizing orientation as a key differentiator. 

Differentiating Cognitive Decline in Multiple Sclerosis and Alzheimer Disease: Sarah Levy, PhD

"Orientation seems to be a key differentiator in the cognitive profile between [patients with multiple sclerosis and patients with Alzheimer disease]."

Cognitive impairment is a common concern among older adults with multiple sclerosis (MS), often affecting quality of life and independence. However, distinguishing whether cognitive decline is because of MS or other conditions, such as Alzheimer disease (AD), remains challenging. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is a widely used screening tool for cognitive impairment across neurological disorders, including MS, and thus, comparing MoCA performance patterns between patients with MS and those with AD may offer valuable insights for diagnostic accuracy. Recent research has also suggested that MS may provide a protective effect against AD, potentially reducing the likelihood of co-occurrence.

The assistant professor in the department of neurology at Mount Sinai discussed distinguishing cognitive impairment in MS from AD emphasizing orientation as a key differentiator. [WATCH TIME: 5 minutes]

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