In this episode, we talk about progressive multiple sclerosis (PMS), including primary progressive MS (PPMS) and secondary progressive MS (SPMS). Neurologist Dr. Thomas Knoll shares insights from over 30 years of clinical experience, focusing on disease mechanisms, current treatment options, and what people living with progressive MS can actively do to maintain their quality of life.

💡 Note: This episode is based on an interview originally recorded in November 2023 and has been translated and adapted for an international audience.

A key takeaway: While neurodegeneration is still difficult to treat, an active lifestyle, symptom management, and strong support systems can make a meaningful difference.

👉 Read the full interview (English):
https://ms-perspektive.com/161-pms

• What defines PPMS and how it differs from other MS types
• Typical symptoms and disease progression
• Current treatment options and limitations
• Role of B-cell therapies (e.g., Ocrelizumab)
• Importance of early intervention
• Rehabilitation, physiotherapy, and lifestyle factors
• How to maintain quality of life with progressive MS
• Patient support, networks, and resources
• Future research and treatment perspectives

Organizations & Support:

• German Multiple Sclerosis Society (DMSG): https://www.dmsg.de
• AMSEL (MS patient organization): https://www.amsel.de
• Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF): https://www.msif.org
• European Multiple Sclerosis Platform (EMSP): https://www.emsp.org

Recommended by Dr. Knoll:

• MS Selfie: https://msselfie.co.uk/

Further information & networks:

• NeuroTransData: https://www.neurotransdata.com
• NeuroTransConcept: https://www.neurotransconcept.com
• Neuromuenchen (Dr. Knoll): https://www.neuromuenchen.de

I see what a difference it makes whether patients engage with their condition or not.

This helps to develop a realistic understanding, reduces fear, and creates perspective.

Thank you to Dr. Thomas Knoll for his insights into progressive MS and for repeatedly emphasizing how important it is to actively engage with the disease in order to shape everyday life—even with progressive MS.

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

For more information and positive thoughts, subscribe to my newsletter for free.

Click here for an overview of all podcast episodes published so far.

The EMSP Conference 2026 is one of Europe's most important events for people living with MS, NMOSD, and MOGAD—and you can join online for free.

Even though the conference takes place in Berlin this year, onsite participation is already fully booked. But the good news is: you don't have to miss out. From April 24–25, 2026, you can follow all sessions virtually and gain access to the latest insights in diagnosis, treatment, and patient care.

This year's focus:
👉 From Diagnosis to Access: Data-Driven Solutions for MS, NMOSD, and MOGAD

You'll hear from leading experts, researchers, and patient advocates—including familiar voices from the MS-Perspektive podcast like:

• Barbara Willekens: https://ms-perspektive.de/en/125-barbara-willekens/
• Leda Bresnov: https://ms-perspektive.de/en/82-leda/

A unique opportunity to learn, connect, and feel empowered—no matter where you are.

• What makes the EMSP Conference 2026 special
• Why online participation is a game changer
• Latest developments in MS, NMOSD, and MOGAD
• Early diagnosis and new criteria (McDonald 2024)
• Access to treatment across Europe
• Patient perspectives and advocacy
• The role of data, registries, and real-world evidence
• Why this conference is especially valuable for people affected

• EMSP Conference 2026 (official info & registration): https://eu.eventscloud.com/website/19094/registration/
• Barbara Willekens on MS-Perspektive:
  https://ms-perspektive.de/en/125-barbara-willekens/
• Leda Bresnov on MS-Perspektive:
  https://ms-perspektive.de/en/82-leda/
• Link to blog article:
  https://ms-perspektive.de/en/160-emsp

• People living with MS, NMOSD, or MOGAD
• Newly diagnosed patients
• Caregivers and family members
• Healthcare professionals
• Anyone interested in the latest MS research and advocacy

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

For more information and positive thoughts, subscribe to my newsletter for free.

Click here for an overview of all podcast episodes published so far.

In this episode, we explore multiple sclerosis in Saudi Arabia with neurologist Dr. Yasser Alamri. He shares insights into MS care, treatment access, research developments, and the growing awareness of the disease.

You'll learn how early diagnosis and high-efficacy therapies can improve long-term outcomes, why multidisciplinary care is essential, and how stigma is being reduced through education and support programs. This episode offers valuable perspectives for people living with MS, caregivers, and healthcare professionals alike.

• Dr. Alamri's journey into neurology and MS specialization
• MS prevalence in Saudi Arabia and why numbers are underestimated
• Evolution of MS awareness among healthcare providers and the public
• Access to neurologists and MS specialists across regions
• Multidisciplinary care: the role of nurses, psychologists, and therapists
• Treatment strategies and early use of high-efficacy therapies
• Therapy switching and patient-centered decision-making
• Public perception, stigma, and psychological impact
• Importance of rehabilitation services in MS care
• Current MS research and the need for national registries
• International collaboration and personalized medicine approaches
• Message of hope: why early treatment makes a difference

• 🌐 You can read a shortened version of the interview here: https://ms-perspektive.de/en/159-saudi-arabia
• 🐦 Follow Dr. Yasser Alamri on X (Twitter):
  https://x.com/dryasseralamri?s=21 (search for "Yasser Alamri")
• 🎵 TikTok (educational content & awareness):
  https://www.tiktok.com/@dryasseralamri?_r=1&_t=ZS-94xQT3NpgmH

Dr. Alamri:
MS today is very different from the past. We now have effective treatments, better understanding, and improved long-term outcomes.

Do not delay evaluation. Do not fear treatment. Early care truly makes a difference.

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

For more information and positive thoughts, subscribe to my newsletter for free.

Click here for an overview of all podcast episodes published so far.