Ageing, Alzheimer's, MS and Parkinson's - MS Flashcards
(10 cards)
What is Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?
An autoimmune disease where immune cells attack the myelin sheath of neurons.
What produces the myelin sheath?
Oligodendrocytes.
What are the two main types of MS?
Relapsing-remitting MS (85%) and primary progressive MS (10–15%).
List common symptoms of MS.
Visual issues, tingling, numbness, fatigue, coordination problems, spasms, and cognitive issues.
What happens in relapsing-remitting MS over time?
It often progresses to secondary progressive MS within 10–30 years.
What immune cells are implicated in MS?
A shift from T-regs to Th17 T cells contributes to MS pathology.
What are key risk factors for MS?
Vitamin D deficiency, high BMI, Epstein-Barr virus, trauma, smoking, toxins.
How does vitamin D help in MS?
It promotes T-regs and reduces inflammation, lowering relapse risk.
Why is vitamin K important for MS?
It supports oligodendrocyte survival and remyelination via Gas6 protein.
How does obesity worsen MS?
It increases Th17 cells, BBB permeability, and shifts microglia to a pro-inflammatory M1 state.
