MDF Magazine Issue 64 April 2021

MD Information
between nerves and muscle fibers
to understand the fundamental processes
in neuromuscular development.
This research could reveal
new therapies for neuromuscular diseases
like myasthenia gravis.
Researchers are also exploring
better ways to treat myasthenia
gravis by developing new tools to
diagnose people with undetectable
antibodies and identify potential biomarkers
(signs that can help diagnose
or measure the progression
of a disease) to predict an individual’s
response to immunosuppressive
drugs.
New treatment options
Findings from a recent NINDSsupported
study yielded conclusive
evidence about the benefits
of surgery for individuals without
thymoma, a subject that had been
debated for decades. Researchers
hope that this trial will become a
model for rigorously testing other
treatment options, and that other
studies will continue to examine different
therapies to see if they are
superior to standard care options.
Assistive technologies, such as magnetic
devices, may also help people
with myasthenia gravis to control
some symptoms of the disorder.
Article available at: https://www.
ninds.nih.gov/disorders/patientcaregiver-education/fact-sheets/
Myasthenia-gravis-fact-sheet
A must watch movie!
The Fundamentals of
Caring
Ben is an out-of-work writer in Seattle,
avoiding his estranged wife’s attempts to
serve him with divorce papers. He takes a
six-week course to become a registered
caregiver and is hired by Elsa, a bank office
manager from England, to care for her
18-year-old son Trevor, who has Duchenne
Muscular Dystrophy.
Not suitable for younger viewers – Ed.
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