Menzies Research Institute's researchers are tackling multiple sclerosis (MS) head on with a world class integrated research approach, in the hope that they may give us the complete picture of MS and takes us another step closer to solving the mystery of the disease.

Menzies Research Institute's researchers are tackling multiple sclerosis (MS) head on with a world class integrated research approach, in the hope that they may give us the complete picture of MS and takes us another step closer to solving the mystery of the disease.

Menzies' researcher Associate Professor Bruce Taylor leads a team of nine researchers working on range of different MS research projects including analyzing clinical, environmental, genetic and Magnetic Reasoning Imaging (MRI) measures on people with the disease.

Associate Professor Taylor says we now have a strong research team here in Tasmania that can now look at the whole puzzle of MS. We are unique in that we are the only state in Australia that is looking at all the essential pieces of the puzzle under one roof and not just part of the puzzle.

"Yet again, our research proves why Tasmania is the ideal place to conduct medical research into such common diseases as MS," Associate Professor Bruce Taylor said.

It is common knowledge that Tasmania has the highest rate of MS per capita in Australia. However, there is no current data on the true prevalence of the disease within our state.

"This data is crucial to ensure we provide adequate resources and facilities within our state and ensure that services are delivered effectively within the community," Associate Professor Taylor said.

He says that it is likely that immune response, genetic predisposition, environmental factors, such as viral or other infections, may all contribute to the case of MS.

"While the overall cause of MS is still unknown and there is currently no cure for MS, a great amount of effort was being directed by Menzies towards improving the lives of people living with MS."

"I have a new project investigating factors that predict the rate of progression of MS, following a first attack." "The important question behind this proposed study is knowing who will progress to develop multiple sclerosis after a first attack and at what rate they will progress, as it will allow us to target treatment to those at greatest risk and modify a person's lifestyle, to reduce the risk of developing MS or slow their rate of progression," Associate Professor Taylor said.

Tasmania has a seven-fold higher rate of MS in comparison to Northern Queensland.

MS is the most common neurological disease affecting young Australians today. Three out of four people diagnosed with MS are under the age of 35 and more than 1,000 young Australians will be diagnosed with MS this year.

MS is a chronic degenerative and unpredictable condition that randomly attacks the brain, spinal cord and nerves of the central nervous system.

More women than men develop MS, approximately a 2:1 ratio. Tasmanian Kate de la Motte is 32 years old and has been living with MS for nearly eight years.

"I was told I had MS in June 2000. I was working professionally as a pharmacist at Calvary Hospital and looking forward to going overseas for the first time," Kate said.

Kate's mum Maggy Hunter remembers 'that day' only too well.

"Having MS never seemed to be such a worry for Kate, as her MS seemed to be for me as her mother" Maggy said. 

Kate who is seven and a half months pregnant and her husband Marty, are looking forward to the future: "Being a health professional myself, I know how far medical research has come in the last 25 years. There is a good chance that they will come up with answers in the next 25 years," Kate said.

Menzies research into MS is supported by a range of funding bodies, including MS Society of Tasmania, MS Research Australia, US MS Society, the Department of Health and Human Services (Tasmania), and National Health & Medical Research Council (NHMRC).

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