What is being done - Researchers are learning more about what causes MS everyday and zeroing in on ways to prevent it. Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada funded researchers are targeting these areas:

Repairing or growing myelin - Since the central problem in MS is the destruction of myelin, a crucial focus is to find a way to stop the damage and stimulate myelin regrowth. Almost 50 percent of MS funded research goes to myelin research.

Immune system - The immune system attacks the body¹s myelin so it is vital to understand what triggers that attack and to find a way to block it. Twenty-eight percent of MS Society funded research is directed to immunology

Virus research - Some investigator think that a number of common viruses may trigger MS attacks. Work is underway to identify them.

Genetics - Significant progress is being made in understanding how genes may contribute to the development of MS. The world's largest study of genetic susceptibility is taking place in Canada.

MRI studies - Since the 1980¹s magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been used to allow investigators to see into the living brain and to detect MS lesions. MRI allows for faster diagnosis of MS and equally important diagnosis of MS and equally important faster evaluation of potentially useful MS therapies. Canadian scientists are leaders in this field.

Health research - This new program funds research that seeks to find the overall determinants of health and that helps people with MS to better cope with the disease. Areas funded include epidemiology, health economics and psychosocial behavioral issues.

For additional up to date information about Multiple Sclerosis this link will open a new window to the national website.

Multiple Sclerosis National Website