Essentially this article says that "Exercise is good for you"; Nothing new to that adage. But in this case moderate exercise is purported to help the brain combat aging. For an MS'er, the implication is that exercise may help to counter-act the damage done by the immune system.

"Being physically fit may be good for the aging brain, researchers report. In a new study of older adults, higher levels of physical fitness were associated with improved mental abilities. The results highlight the importance of staying in shape, according to one of the study authors.

"Fitness training can enhance brain and mental function,"...Even moderate physical activity may keep the brain in tip-top shape...

Several animal studies have shown that aerobic training has a positive effect on the brain. It improves blood flow in the brain, encourages the formation of new neurons and increases the number of connections called synapses that form between neurons.

Whether physical fitness has the same effect in people, however, has been uncertain.

Now, Kramer and his colleagues have found that being in shape does seem to benefit the brain in people."

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"You may dismiss astrology as a harmless pseudo-science, but your birthday could have more importance than you think. Some scientists now believe the month in which you were born may predispose you to certain illnesses.

Medical experts worldwide have found specific illnesses and behavioral disorders are more prevalent among people born during certain months or seasons of the year. The list includes asthma, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, leukemia, dyslexia, diabetes and others. "

"In the most comprehensive study of how multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms change over time, researchers have found that less than half of patients studied developed worsening disability within 10 years. "

Lack of public awareness on MS

By Catherine Shanahan

OVER half the population mistakenly believes Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is fatal, a survey into awareness of the condition has found. Over half of those interviewed (54%) either did not believe or did not know MS was treatable, including 52% of those with relatives or friends suffering from the condition.

Over 40% of respondents believed those with MS couldn’t work. The research reveals the disease is widely misunderstood and among the most common misconceptions is that MS sufferers are wheelchair-bound.

However, the authors of the research Schering AG claim the reality is many people have relatively mild MS, cope readily with their condition and never develop severe disabilities.

The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Ireland welcomed the research.

“Often we find MS is not understood and we are constantly striving to change this. Our aim is to help people affected by MS to live full lives,” said MS Ireland CEO Michael Dineen.

MS is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system.

Its cause is not known but it is thought environmental and genetic factors are involved.

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