Conference Coverage

Wide variety of MS topics on tap at CMSC 2018


 


More than 2,000 members of the multiple sclerosis care, advocacy, research, and patient communities will gather in Nashville, Tenn., May 30–June 2 for the annual meeting of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers.

Dozens of topics will be discussed, ranging from complementary/alternative therapies, ethics, and neuropsychiatry to neuroimmunology and disease models, relapse management, and self-care. Clinicians also will tackle sensitive topics such as suicide, depression, and cognitive impairment.

“Accredited continuing education will be offered for MDs, registered nurses, pharmacists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, social workers, and psychologists,” said Gary Cutter, PhD, president of the CMSC. “Our offerings include beginner courses, advanced science sessions, rehab and mental health tracks, platform and poster sessions, and roundtables.”

Dr. Gary Cutter, professor of biostatistics at the University of Alabama at Birmingham

Dr. Gary Cutter

Special areas of focus this year include the use of stem cells, evolving knowledge about MS drugs and disease-modifying treatments, disease pathology, and neuroimaging, Dr. Cutter, professor of biostatistics at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, said in an interview.

“We’ll discuss meds for progressive forms of MS as well as targeted therapies based on new information from genetics,” Dr. Cutter said. Participants will also gain insight from registries and other data sources, he added.

Lecture topics will include the use of computerized screening for cognitive dysfunction in the MS clinic and new research into MS pathology.

Other sessions will explore the use of cannabis, infusion therapies, respiratory enhancement, and a new class of medications for blocking lipid metabolism. Rehabilitation will also be a major focus.

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