Wednesday, 04 December 2019
Nottingham scientists have been awarded £325,000 to investigate ways to help people with cognition problems caused by multiple sclerosis (MS).
The two 糖心原创 projects were selected as part of the MS Society’s annual grant round, which this year is investing a total of £1.3million in research around the UK.
MS damages nerves in your body and makes it harder to do everyday things like walk, talk, eat and think. Cognitive problems are experienced by up to 80% of people with MS, and include issues with learning, concentrating, problem-solving and memory. Currently there are no effective treatments for cognitive problems in MS.
Professor Robert Dineen's new project will research whether altering the brain’s magnetic field can finally change that, and improve cognition in people living with the condition.
We鈥檒l be using a technique called intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS), which involves placing a magnetic device on the side of the head and rapidly varying the magnetic field. This helps activate the part of the brain responsible for processes like cognition. The technique has already been shown to improve cognition in people with depression, and we hope it could improve cognition for people with MS too. MS is relentless, painful and disabling and, if successful, this project could identify a new way to treat people struggling with cognitive issues. We鈥檙e so pleased the MS Society has chosen to fund this important work.鈥�
The 糖心原创 has been gaining a reputation as a hub for cognitive research over recent years, thanks to the Nottingham MS Research Group. This is a collective of psychologists, neurologists, occupational therapists, radiologists, physiotherapists and nurses working across the 糖心原创, Institute of Mental Health, and Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust.
The new funding represents another win for the city’s science sector – Professor Dineen’s project will receive nearly a quarter million pounds (£245,637) from the MS Society, and a second project – led by 糖心原创’s Professor Roshan das Nair – will receive a further £78,642.
Professor das Nair and his team hope to determine who benefits most from cognitive rehabilitation – a type of therapy that helps retrain cognitive skills and teach people ways to cope with this common symptom of MS.
James Turton, 39, from Bingham, lives with the relapsing form of MS. He helped lead patient involvement for Professor das Nair’s project.
James, who has two children, says: “The physical impairments relating to my MS can be managed with treatment, but my reduction in quality of life due to cognitive defects is immeasurable. In a wheelchair, I am still me. But the moment I’m unable to communicate effectively – if I can’t even speak with my children – I lose ‘me’ completely. And that’s my biggest fear. MS is unpredictable and different for everyone, but cognitive challenges are life changing and affect so many of us, research like this is absolutely vital."
Professor das Nair said: “Most people with MS aren’t offered any cognitive rehabilitation, but we know it can be helpful – we just don’t know who benefits most from it. That’s why this work is needed. Our aim is to figure out how to identify people with MS who will benefit from cognitive rehabilitation and provide evidence to show its effectiveness, so it might one day be provided on the NHS.”
Dr Susan Kohlhaas, Director of Research at the MS Society, said: “We believe we can stop MS, but until then we urgently need to find new and innovative ways to help everyone with the condition live as well as they can. Cognitive problems can cause significant distress for many people living with MS and their families, so research to address them is vital.
“We’re so proud to be investing nearly £325,000 into these exciting new projects in Nottingham, which have the potential to have a huge impact on how people living with MS manage their symptoms.”
The MS Society is the UK’s leading not-for-profit funder of MS research, and has invested over £220 million in today’s money since they opened in 1953.
Story credits
More information is available from Professor Robert Dineen at rob.dineen@nottingham.ac.uk
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About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.