Shift Needed in Research, Treatment, Care for Aging MS Population

Multidisciplinary Approach

Dr. Zhang acknowledged that his recently established MS clinic is still in the early phases and is largely focused on comprehensive care designed to meet the diverse needs of older individuals who often have advanced disabilities and comorbidities.

Currently, each patient that attends the clinic consults with six different types of providers, including a psychologist, a pharmacist, and a physical therapist — all in a single appointment.

Dr. Zhang said his decision to open a clinic was motivated by the increased volume of older patients with MS and was inspired by similar clinics for other disease states in older individuals.

“The need is already strong and growing,” said Dr. Zhang, who speculated that these types of clinics will become widespread as the need for this care is more broadly recognized and accepted.

As the clinic evolves and matures, Dr. Zhang anticipates there will be a research component to better characterize cell senescence and aging processes that might eventually be modifiable or even reversible. He also speculated that aging in MS might eventually become a subspecialty.

Dr. Graves reported financial relationships with Horizon Therapeutics. Dr. Zhang reported no potential conflicts of interest. Dr. Motl reported financial relationships with Bristol-Myers Squibb.

A version of this article appeared on Medscape.com.