In future, doctors may be able to spot signs of multiple sclerosis earlier, according to a new study from the University of British Columbia.
The study, published in JAMA Network Open, was led by Helen Tremlett, Professor, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine at UBC. Population Data BC (PopData) linked the health records of more than 12,000 British Columbians for the analysis.
Over the past 17 years PopData has linked data for 21 projects for Professor Tremlett and her team to carry out their ground breaking research on MS. Ongoing research studies in her lab include: the MS prodrome, MS risk, safety and effectiveness of the disease-modifying drugs for MS; pharmacogenomics; impact of comorbidities on MS outcomes; and the gut microbiome and MS.
“Ability for researchers to access BC’s rich linked healthcare data through Population Data BC is invaluable. These data have enabled us to make substantial advances in understanding the earliest manifestations of MS—the MS prodrome,” said Professor Tremlett. “Our findings suggest that MS starts earlier than previously thought. This has implications when thinking about MS prevention. Findings also suggests that, in the future, it may be possible to recognize and manage MS earlier, improving outcomes for all those living with MS.”
Global News recently featured an interview with Professor Tremlett, visit the Global News website to see what she had to say about the latest research findings.
