Scientists of the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and the Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry have identified four new risk genes that are altered in German patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The results point to a possible involvement of cellular mechanisms in the development of the disease, through which environmental influences affect gene regulation. The research project was supported by the German Competence Network Multiple Sclerosis (KKNMS).  Read on.

The report slams the current provision of care for people with long-term neurological conditions, describing it as unsatisfactory from all perspectives, including those of patients, carers and commissioners (the people who plan and buy services). It draws a picture of care that is centred around institutions rather than patients, and cautions that this lack of integrated care results in delayed access to expert advice, particularly in times of crisis.  Read on.