THE MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)

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WA based research into managing fatigue.

In 2009 Professor Tanya Packer and Setareh Ghahari, PhD student, of Curtin University of Technology in WA, were funded to conduct a “head to head” comparison of the face-to-face fatigue self - management course and the newly created e-learning computer based program.

The project allowed for the training of MS Society staff from each state to become facilitators and then conduct the courses for their clients. The MS Society of WA participated in the evaluations of both the initial program and the development and trial of the computer based program.

For more information about MSRA and its research programs visit the MSRA website. To learn more about fatigue view our articles and links and for self management programs information contact the MS Society of WA Occupational Therapy department on 9365 4888.

Projects with MSWA funding

  1. Identification of the cells responsible for nerve sheath repair in MS. Investigators Dr Alison Jennings from the University of Western Australia and Professor Bill Carroll from Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth.

    Update: Dr Jennings is analysing the MS-affected optic nerve specimens by staining the cells involved with repair of damaged nerve sheaths (remyelination) to determine why this process often fails in later phase MS.

  2. How does pregnancy affect MS? Investigators Dr Pamela McCombe, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Dr Judith Greer, University of Queensland and Dr Robyn Wallace, Queensland Brain Institute.

    Update: A/Prof Pamela McCombe and her colleagues have looked at the expression of genes in the spinal cords and brains of pregnant and non-pregnant rats infected with the commonly used rodent model of MS.

    The long-term aim of this work is the identification of molecules that might provide novel therapeutic targets for treatment of MS. This would represent a breakthrough.

  3. Cognitive, behavioural and social skills in childhood-onset MS and childhood demyelination. Investigators Professor Vicki Anderson, University of Melbourne, Assistant Professor Andrew Kornberg, University of Melbourne, Assistant Professor Michael Ditchfield, Royal Children’s Hospital.

    Update: Prof Anderson and her team are investigating the impact of childhood MS and demyelination on family, social and academic functioning, from time of diagnosis for two years, to identify patterns of impairment, changes over time, and to establish key support needs.