MS: a kernel of hope

Overcoming multiple sclerosis. An evidence-based guide to recovery.

George Jelinek. Sydney: Allen & Unwin, 2010 (375 pp). ISBN 9781742371795.

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS (MS) is a chronic disabling disease that predominantly affects young women, with onset commonly at the age of 30–35 years. Its prevalence in Australia and elsewhere is steadily increasing. Many treatments have been tried over the years without success but, over the past decade, immunotherapy with beta-interferons and glatiramer has been demonstrated by many clinical trials to reduce the number of relapses and the rate of progression of disability. More recently, natazilumab has proven to be very effective. Unfortunately, all these drugs have side effects and none has yet been able to completely stop, let alone reverse, the progression of the disease.

George Jelinek is an Australian academic emergency physician with MS and a family history of the condition. In this book, he reviews the possible causes and treatments for, and effects of, the disease, with particular emphasis on dietary treatment and lifestyle changes.

He advocates a low saturated fat diet, exposure to 10–15 minutes of sunlight 3–5 times weekly, correction of vitamin deficiencies, regular exercise, avoidance of stress, and daily meditation, as well as one of the approved drug therapy regimens.

The evidence for dietary measures and other non-pharmacological forms of treatment for MS is not very convincing, but they are not harmful and may improve general health.

The book is well written. Each chapter has helpful summaries of the main points in language readily understandable by lay readers. It provides important, up-to-date information about the disease, positive support, encouragement and guidance for those with MS.