Not Exactly Rocket Science: Multiple Sclerosis

My research is very Multiple Sclerosis orientated. My dream one day is to solve a major issue in this disease. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease in with the myelin sheath are damaged, leading to demyination. MS is known to be an autoimmune disease. This means that the bodies own immune system sends antibodies to attack the myelin.
MS usually occurs in young adults and is primarily found in women. MS was first described in 1868 by scientist Jean-Martin Charcot.
MS affects the ability of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord to communicate. Nerve cell communication is fundamental in daily life. Nerve cells communicate by sending electrical signals called action potential. Action potentials are send down axons. Axons are contained within the myelin.When myelin is lost the axons can no longer conduct signals properly.
Although researchers and scientist know many of the mechanisms of the disease, we don't know what causes it. Some theories include genetics or infections, and environmental factors.
Symptoms are a broad spectrum of neurological symptoms. MS often progresses to physical disability. MS also takes several forms, with new symptoms occurring in either relapses or accumulation over time.
Sadly there is no cure for MS. Many treatments attempt to return function after an attack, prevent new attacks, and prevent disability. Although MS medications are commonly poorly tolerated by the population. The prognosis is difficult to predict, it depends on the subtype of the disease, the individual, and initial symptoms. Life expectancy of people with MS is 5 to 10 years lower than the common population.