Now
comes from your experiments.”
At the same time, he doesn’t
shy away from subjects that
might intimidate some young
researchers, like presenting or
writing up findings. “These
processes are mystifying and scary
when you start out, but they are
manageable if you break them
down into parts. I try to teach
people how to read critiques
that come back on papers, and
how to approach giving talks.”
Communicating your findings is
crucial, says Dr. Ransohoff. “The
theoretical and conceptual side of
science is invisible unless you can
communicate it.”
Dr. Ransohoff says this
milestone makes him feel “lucky,
surprised, humble—and grateful
to everyone who has worked with
me and bought into the idea
that this is an interesting field for
study.” He adds, “I am especially
grateful that my mom and my
wife were there to see it.” n
Sara Bernstein is the editor of
Research Now and manager of
research information for the Society.
Caring for those
who give care
by Lorna Smedman
One of the strongest connections for a person
who needs help with personal
care is the bond formed with
a caregiver. New studies are
telling us more about the men
and women who care for people
with multiple sclerosis—what
challenges them, what makes
them feel accomplished and
whether they are finding the
help they need.
A pivotal survey of caring
Some people’s MS progresses to
the point that they may need
help with activities of daily
living, such as dressing, bathing
and preparing meals. And
because MS is a chronic disease,
MS caregivers often fulfill this
role for a long time.
The National Alliance for
Caregiving recently conducted
a survey of 421 caregivers of
people with MS, supported
by the National MS Society
and funded by Sanofi Aventis.
changing symptoms felt relief
and appreciation when the
symptoms eased up, but were
constantly worried that the
disease would take a turn for
the worse and wished for more
stability.
The connections between
people with MS and their
caregivers were palpable. More
than half of the caregivers
thought they now had a better
relationship with the care
recipient. Many felt that caring
for a family member with MS
had brought everyone closer
and that their children had
learned to be more patient and
responsible.
The most common negative
impacts reported related to
Research is providing a better picture of
how MS caregivers cope—and thrive.
The goal was to understand
the specific challenges faced
by MS caregivers, given the
unpredictable and chronic
nature of the disease.
The MS caregivers in the
study, Multiple Sclerosis
Caregivers 2012, had been
providing care for an average of
nine years; among caregivers in
general, this number is closer
to five years. Their average
age was 50, compared with 61
years of age among caregivers in
general. Many of those caring
for people with frequently
financial situations, mental
health and participating in fewer
enjoyable activities. One-third
of respondents experienced
depression and nearly one-third
had incurred physical injuries as
a result of caregiving. Caregivers
of individuals with cognitive
impairment were more likely to
report such negative experiences.
