Monday, May 30, 2022, on World MS Day, the broadcast will be on Time for MAX in the context of Multiple Sclerosis. In the Netherlands, 25,000 people have to deal with this disease and that number is increasing every day. It is the most debilitating disease among young people. Guests include Ben Cramer with his daughter Shanna. She was diagnosed with MS when she was 33 years old. Prof. dr. Dr Jeroen Geurts is at the origin of a promising study to find out the cause of MS, he is also a guest.
There are 25,000 people with MS in the Netherlands. With 25,000 different faces. MS can strike at any moment. With everyone. As long as there is no solution for MS, the National MS Fund will continue to fight. And that is not possible without your support. Call 0800-1125 (free) or donate via the website.
Autoimmune disease
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the body. It is impossible to predict when that will happen. That makes MS a nerve-racking disease. People with MS never know when the symptoms will strike or what symptoms they will experience. The disease can cause sudden loss of sight, speech or limb loss. The first symptoms usually appear when a person is between 20 and 40 years old.
Uncertain future
The future for people with MS is extremely uncertain. Until it is known what causes MS and how we can solve it, the central nervous system in people with MS is irreparably damaged. Prof. dr. Dr Jeroen Geurts, together with his colleague Antonio Luchicchi, made a discovery that could just mean a breakthrough in finding the cause of MS. Geurts: “Only when you have identified the cause, can you really do something to solve the disease. We have found a new path to the origin of MS and I think it is very fruitful.” Read more about it research on the site of the MS Fund.
Stories about Multiple Sclerosis in Time for MAX
In Time for MAX the story of Vera (21). She was only 17 years old when she was diagnosed with MS after an optic neuritis. Her vision is slowly deteriorating, she has bladder problems and is easily fatigued. Every month she is given drugs through an IV to slow down her disease. Fortunately, Vera has a positive outlook on life. She bakes the most amazing cakes to order. Vera doesn’t know what the future will bring, but she won’t let anything or anyone stop her.
Benno (47) is also a fighter. For him, the symptoms start with a lunge in his arms and right leg. He also loses his balance, forcing him to walk first with a cane and later with a walker. He is now dependent on a wheelchair. “You always have to accept a new setback and adapt. You are constantly in a grieving process, because you can no longer do something.” said Benno.
About National MS Fund
The future dream of the National MS Fund is a world without MS. Researchers know more and more about MS, but they don’t yet know what causes MS and how it develops. That is why the National MS Fund invests in innovative scientific research to find out the cause of MS. Until then, the MS Fund wants to improve care for people with MS and the quality of life for people with MS.
There are 25,000 people with MS in the Netherlands. With 25,000 different faces. MS can strike at any moment. With everyone. As long as there is no solution for MS, the National MS Fund will continue to fight. And that is not possible without your support. Call 0800-1125 (free) or donate via the website.
Time for MAX All about Multiple Sclerosis can be seen on Monday May 30, 2022 at 5.10 pm on NPO 1.
(The broadcast of Time for MAX is made possible in part by the National MS Fund.)
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