[Koala77]

Australian scientists have released a study in which they say MS is not a myelin disease. Rather their research implicates a particular brain cell, the astrocyte.

Have a look at this article and see for yourself.

http://www.msra.org.au/nmo-discovery

In a nutshell, the article is saying that one version of MS, NMO (or neuromyelitis optica), affects the optic nerve and spinal canal. How many of us have had optic neuritis? How many have had problems with their arms, legs, bladder, bowels?

Studies of that version (NMO) have shown the destruction of a certain brain cell (the astrocyte) because it's missing one of the key components. That component is named AQP4.

"If we can measure in MS and NMO patients their level of antibodies against AQP4 there may be a possibility to have a diagnosis of people who might likely develop NMO and MS very early."

The article goes on to say :

"The fact that the immediate cause of the demyelination is the same in both NMO and MS, this discovery is the strongest evidence to date to suggest that demyelination is secondary (not the cause) of MS."

If we believe this article, then the study opens up the potential for treatment to prevent MS, rather than treatment to cure the disease once a person has been afflicted.

Yes... very encouraging.