Dr. Alexandra Degenhardt, a staff neurologist specializing in multiple sclerosis (MS) related issues at Penobscot Bay Medical Center, will moderate a discussion at the November 1 meeting of Keep S’myelin.

Keep S’myelin, an awareness group for those with Multiple Sclerosis, their families, caregivers, and friends meets at Kno-Wal-Lin Home Care and Hospice at 170 Pleasant St., Rockland on the first Thursday of every month at 11:30 a.m. They are affiliated with the Greater New England Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

MS is a disease of the central nervous system that blocks some bodily messages from reaching the brain, and among other things, can affect a person’s ability to walk, speak or see.  Early stages of the disease are usually called relapsing-remitting MS where the person with MS experiences a temporary loss of function in these areas, but usually the function returns.  Progressive MS is different in that a person’s disability steadily increases over time.

While many treatments and much research are available about the relapsing-remitting form of MS,  little is being offered to those who have the progressive form of the disease. Degenhardt will share the latest news of the treatment of Progressive Multiple Sclerosis. Since this is an open discussion, participants should come prepared to share their concerns, experiences, and questions related to progressive MS.

For more information please call Tom at 354-0285 or Brian at 236-2307.