MS research project underway in Capital Region

LATHAM - It's estimated 400,000 Americans are diagnosed with multiple sclerosis but no one's sure of the exact number, in part, because getting a diagnosis is not always clear-cut.

A research project involving the Capital Region may help, not only improve diagnosis, but lead to better treatments.

Tracy Tiger remembers well her first bout with multiple sclerosis. "I was losing my eyesight" she says.

But it would be a year and another attack before getting the diagnosis. That's part of the reason behind Tracy's willingness to take part in a nationwide research project. All she has to do is donate a little blood for study. Thirty-three hundred M.S. patients are expected to be enrolled - upwards of 500 from the capital region.

"I just want to help others," says Tracy. "I mean, I know I have M.S. You can't tell I have M.S. and I see other people with M.S. coming into the office her and seeing how bad they have it. It makes me want to do more for them."

Researchers are looking for genetic similarities in M.S. patients that may point to susceptibility for the disease. Tracy's blood will be compared to Marlene Farkas's blood and all the others in the study

Farkas, the mother of five, was diagnosed in 1984 and has endured a slow decline in her physical ability.

"If it's genetically transferred from one to another and I have five children, so naturally I'm concerned," she says.

Empire Neurology in Latham is an offshoot study site from Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, where the blood samples are shipped to.

As Dr. Keith Edwards points out, there's a clear propensity for M.S. in families.

"So the point of this study is to identify more genetic clues in terms of who's at risk to develop M.S.," he says.

Study results may also help doctors better tailor treatment to patients. And there's always the hope of streamlining the diagnosis.

"Maybe, in not too distant future it may be possible to diagnose M.S. just through a blood test," says Dr. Edwards.

To take part in the study you can contact Empire Neurology. There is no cost to take part and you don't have to be a patient of Empire Neurology. For more information call 518-785-1000.