Researchers are committed to finding out what causes MS and how to cure it. People living with the disease may hold the key, and without their participation MS research would come to a standstill. People with MS, and sometimes family members, can make a difference by donating their DNA from blood samples and by volunteering for clinical treatment trials and other studies. They can also make arrangements to donate their brain and spinal cord tissues.
Participate in Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are scientific studies designed to test the safety and efficacy of new agents or regimens for treating disease. Without people with MS who are willing to serve as volunteers in these studies, we could not look forward to new and better therapies.
Participate in Genetic Studies
Researchers around the world are collaborating to find the genes that make people susceptible to developing MS and other autoimmune diseases. These studies are fed by the participation of people with MS and their family members who donate blood samples from which DNA is derived.
Donate to Tissue Banks
Two MS tissue banks are supported by the National MS Society to provide researchers with brain and spinal cord samples from people who had MS in their lifetimes, as well as from people without MS. It is important to plan in advance to arrange this important gift.
Participate in an Important MS Quality of Life Study
The National MS Society is recruiting 2,500 people for the second phase of a study that has already substantially increased our knowledge of MS. For this quality of life study, which involves regular telephone interviews, we are seeking people with MS who belong to one or more of these four groups:
- Recently diagnosed
- African-American
- Hispanic
- 18-24 years old
Online Surveys
How Uncontrolled Laughing and Crying Affects Quality of Life
Robert Spencer, MS, and colleagues at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, are seeking participants for an online survey that examines how uncontrolled laughing and crying — a symptom of multiple sclerosis — affects quality of life.
This 15-minute survey requires the joint participation of an individual with MS and someone who has regular contact with that person. The survey begins with a brief explanation of the study and a consent document. The survey asks questions of the individual with MS and concludes with questions for the person who interacts with them on a regular basis. All questions concern the health, quality of life, and emotional experiences of the individual with MS.
- Study participation is voluntary and anonymous. No identifying information will be collected.
- Both participants must be 18 years of age or older.
- E-mail rspencer@umbc.edu for study-related questions.
- Click here to go to the survey.
For People with Physical Disabilities
Dr. Maria Kosma of Louisiana State University and Dr. Rebecca Ellis of Georgia State University are conducting a nationwide survey of 1,000 people with MS and other disorders to study the physical activity levels, intentions, attitudes, beliefs and quality of life of people with physical disabilities. The results should reveal barriers to physical activity and strategies to overcome them. This study is funded by the National MS Society.
- People over 18 years of age who have multiple sclerosis are being asked to take part in this quick and easy online survey.
- Participants must have Internet access. Click here to go to the survey.
Studying the Role of Spirituality and/or Religion on the Adjustment to Disability
This research is being conducted by Dr. Roy Chen at the University of Texas-Pan American. The team is seeking to recruit 200 adults diagnosed with neuromuscular or neurological disorders to respond to an online survey on whether personal belief and practice of spirituality/religion can influence an individual’s adjustment to disability.
Participation is voluntary and information gathered is anonymous and will be kept confidential.
- Click here to go to the survey.
- For questions and comments contact Dr. Chen at 956-381-3590 or rchen@utpa.edu
Understanding Experiences of People with Disabilities
This research study is being conducted by researchers at The Pennsylvania State University. Participation in this research study will help counseling professionals and researchers understand various experiences of people with disabilities.
People with MS or other chronic illnesses or disabilities who are 18 years or older are eligible to participate in this research study. The survey involves six questionnaires which will take a total of approximately 20-25 minutes. Participation is voluntary and can be discontinued at any time. No identifying information is requested. The information collected and the results of this research study will be used for research purposes only.