MS-Perspektive - The Multiple Sclerosis Podcast14 Okt

#187: Aging in multiple sclerosis: relapses, progression and treatment choices with Dr. Yi Chao Foong

Aging in multiple sclerosis brings new questions about relapses, gradual progression and treatment choices. In episode 187, Dr. Yi Chao Foong, an MS neurologist and researcher in Tasmania, explains why fewer relapses do not necessarily mean that MS has stopped changing.

We discuss:

What changes in the aging immune system and what PIRA means.
Why late-onset MS needs careful diagnosis and individual treatment decisions.
Why stopping treatment can carry risks despite years of stability.
How rehabilitation, practical support and social connections can support independence.
What future biomarkers might add to treatment monitoring.

Explore Dr. Foong's research and listen to episode 49 with Anthony Feinstein on CogeX. Further study links are included in the accompanying blog article.

Links and resources

Read the interview and listen to episode 187 on the blog: https://ms-perspektive.de/en/187-aging-in-ms-yi-chao-foong/
Dr. Yi Chao Foong — MS Australia
Aging better with MS — research project
Late-onset MS treatment study
Ocrelizumab versus interferon/glatiramer acetate in people over 60
DISCOMS trial
DOT-MS trial
Clinically silent MRI lesions and treatment escalation
National Disability Insurance Scheme — Australia
Episode 049: CogeX study with Prof. Anthony Feinstein
English podcast archive
Twitter / X: @Foongahh
Bluesky: @ycfoong.bsky.social
LinkedIn: Yi Chao Foong suchen
ORCID profile — Dr. Yi Chao Foong
University of Tasmania profile and publications

Chapters

00:00 Episode introduction
00:45 Introducing Dr. Yi Chao Foong and aging in MS
03:29 Why aging matters
04:36 The aging immune system and PIRA
06:56 Late-onset MS: diagnosis and treatment
08:55 Higher-efficacy treatment in older people
10:53 Stopping treatment: risks and uncertainties
13:59 Why silent MRI lesions matter
14:47 Personalizing treatment decisions
16:30 Extended interval dosing and de-escalation
18:00 Lifestyle, brain health and practical support
19:52 Supporting independence
22:39 Biomarkers and future monitoring
24:38 Hopes for prevention research
25:47 Takeaways for people with MS and families
26:49 Following Dr. Foong's research
27:37 Farewell

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See you soon and try to make the best out of your life,
Nele

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