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On Monday, Sept. 22, one of the study’s authors, David Hafler, M.D., will address these important findings at Research & the Role of Genetics in Multiple Sclerosis, a program hosted by the National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter. “Scientists are increasingly finding genetic links between autoimmune diseases that affect different tissues in the body, including Type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis,” says Hafler, professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. “This study will likely spur further research into the connection between these seemingly separate conditions.” More than 6,000 Connecticut residents – 400,000 nationwide – battle the potentially debilitating effects of multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system. There is no cure. Symptoms can include, among other things, numbness in the limbs, difficulties with vision and speech, stiffness, loss of mobility and, in some more severe cases, total paralysis. The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot be predicted. “The research Dr. Hafler has undertaken is critical to understanding the genetic link of multiple sclerosis,” says Connecticut State Deputy Comptroller Mark Ojakian, whose brother, sister and father all have MS. “Hopefully this research will eventually spare other families the agony of dealing with the horrible effects of this disease.” Research & the Role of Genetics in Multiple Sclerosis will be held Monday, Sept. 22, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Greenwich, 1800 East Putnam Ave., Old Greenwich, Conn. Dinner is included. There is no fee but reservations are required. For more information or to register, please contact Margaret Andrews, programs director, at 860-714-2300 or 1-800-FIGHT MS. For more information on MS and programs and services offered by the chapter to those in the state living with MS, please visit www.ctfightsms.org. © Copyright by StamfordPlus.com. Some articles and pictures posted on our website, as indicated by their bylines, were submitted as press releases and do not necessarily reflect the position and opinion of StamfordPlus.com, Stamford Plus magazine, Canaiden LLC or any of its associated entities. Articles may have been edited for brevity and grammar. Related Articles: Contractors in place to help with debris removal in event of major natural disaster - Sep 21, 2008 - 2:47 PM King Middle School students from Stamford qualify for the Johns Hopkins Youth Talent Search - Sep 19, 2008 - 4:52 PM Samuel Felder, M.D. FACC, and Susan Mani, M.D. expand care for patients in New Milford - Sep 19, 2008 - 4:38 PM HealtheChildren fundraiser in Ridgefield this Saturday - Sep 19, 2008 - 4:12 PM Fairfield Museum’s Fall Festival, Native American style - Sep 19, 2008 - 12:35 PM CURRENT HEADLINES: Top of Page
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