Scientists Create Nerve Stem CellThe first nerve stem cells to be made from human stem cells have been created at the University of Edinburgh. It is hoped the cells will eventually help scientists to grow replacement brain tissue for people with neurological diseases. Before that they should help researchers test the effectiveness of new drugs. Professor Austin Smith who led the research at the University said “We’re already talking with the bio-technology and bio-pharmaceutical companies about these taking these cells into screening systems for new drugs. Hopefully that will come to pass within two to three years. In terms of the possibility of using the cells for transplantation, that’s a much more difficult and longer term thing and I think there we’re talking more of the five to ten year range. “ |
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New EssentialsThere are three new MS Essentials booklets here at the Centre. Latest Essentials are: No. 10 Mood, Depression and Emotions For copies, pop in or give us a call on |
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Announcement From The Medical Research Team at A.R.I. ForesterhillMany of you will be aware that MS might be caused by an unusual response to an infectious agent, perhaps a virus. What you may not know is that increasing numbers of doctors and scientists working on MS are coming to the view that the virus involved is one called Epstein-Barr virus, which may cause glandular fever. It is a common virus infecting most people. It turns out that nearly all people with MS have had the virus. Some of you have been helpful enough to have given some blood samples to the Medical School in Aberdeen looking into this virus. We are delighted to announce that the Medical Research Council has just funded us to study the virus in every patient in Grampian and we will be trying to write to you all in the next month or two. Dr. Mark Vickers, who is involved with this research, will be coming to the Stuart Resource Centre on the evening of Monday 12th December at 7.00 p.m. to talk about this major project. Please keep that evening free in order to find out more about this important project. Seating is limited to 70 places so booking is essential. Tel. 692777 |
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Go-Ahead Given fir Prescribing SATIVEX for P.W.M.S.As of 15th November 2005, GP’s in the UK can prescribe the cannabis based drug Sativex on a “named patient” basis for people with MS. This means that the GP takes the decision to prescribe it based on your individual circumstances. The drug will need to be imported from Canada which may result in a wait of several weeks. This may also apply to repeat prescriptions. For further information have a look at the MS Society website: |
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MS Working GroupThe Grampian Wide Partnership gave their support to the MS Working Group to look at the services that are provided by Health, Social Work and Charities in the area. The working group have nearly completed their task and have met nearly 100 people with MS and carers in 4 localities—Aberdeen, Fraserburgh, Inverurie and Elgin. The feedback from the 11 groups now needs to be summarised. When this has been completed, a copy of the summary will be posted out to everyone who took part in the workshops. Some people were unable to attend the workshops but participated by sending their views. They too will be sent a copy of the summary. It is anticipated that the conclusions and recommendations will be ready in the early part of 2006. |
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Ballater & Royal Deeside MS Support GroupAn MS Support Group has now been successfully running, at the Stuart Resource Centre in Aberdeen for three years. Following Reno Zinopoulos’ move to Ballater almost three years ago, a need for support was identified in the area of Ballater, Aberdeenshire. The inaugural meeting, which was led by Reno Zinopoulos, was held on Tuesday 20 September 2005. One of the ways that people with MS find support and knowledge is by meeting with others in similar situations to themselves. It is felt that the establishment of this Group will hopefully facilitate this and that friendships will also develop from the Group, as they did from the Group which still meets in Aberdeen. It is the intention that meetings will be held in the afternoon of the third Tuesday of every month. If you are interested in joining the Group, please contact the Stuart Resource Centre, where staff will be happy to provide you with details of forthcoming meetings. |
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What is the DPHS?The Disabled Persons Housing Service Aberdeen is a new local charity offering housing advice and information to disabled people, their families and carers. Our main aim is to assist disabled people who are looking for suitable housing in Aberdeen City either in the social rented sector e.g. council or housing association, or in the private sector through private landlords, estate agents and local developers. We aim to work closely with all local landlords and to hold details on our database of all their current and planned adapted, barrier free and wheelchair accessible properties. This will enable us to ‘match’ our clients with the most suitable properties when they become available either to rent or to buy. We will liaise with Homechoice, the common housing register in Aberdeen and, with the clients permission, we will discuss an application with them to see if we can provide any further support. Funding to date has come from Aberdeeen City Council, Communities Scotland, Castlehill Housing Association and The Lintel Trust. We are currently still setting up the service and developing our computer databases but we are happy to deal with any enquiries and already have a considerable client list. Based at 43 Raeden Court the DPHS Aberdeen is managed by a committee of local people the majority of whom are disabled. We are a user led organisation and the views and exeriences of disabled people are important to us. We want to give people with disabilities the chance to consider the housing options that are right for them at their own pace and choice. If you’d like to get involved please give us a call. Contact details – phone/fax 01224 810222. Email: info@dphsaberdeen.org. PLEASE NOTE For people living in the Aberdeenshire area there is also a DPHS Aberdeenshire working out of Peterhead. Tel. 01779 490908. Although each is funded differently a number |
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Banish the Winter BluesHow often have you said over the past few weeks “Aye, the nights are fair drawin’ in”. It is common for us to feel fusionless and wabbit at this time of year. When we were cavemen this saved us going out at night and risking being eaten by the odd sabre toothed tiger who may have been hanging around the front door! Our inclination is to curl up by the fire and hibernate, after all bears, squirrels, hedgehogs and even tortoises hibernate, they may have the right idea! What I would like to do in the following article is give you a few hints on how you can preserve your health and sanity over the winter months. As ever I take a holistic view of things looking at physical, psychological and social welfare. It is useful to think of the advice in the form of the mnemonic WINTER W – is for Warmth. I – is for Illumination. N – is for Nutrition. T – is for Try Something New. E – is for Exercise. R – is for Relatives. Dr. Ken Lawton G.P. |
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WE’RE HERE TO HELPDo you have problems with your bladder or bowel? A continence clinic is held in the Stuart Resource Centre on the first Friday afternoon of each month. The Clinic is held when the resource centre has no other classes or sessions on and is a totally confidential service where you will be able to discuss your problems and queries with a National Health Service Grampian Continence Nurse. First appointments last for approximately an hour and follow ups last thirty minutes. Don’t suffer in silence and don’t let embarrassment make you miserable. If you are experiencing any problem please make an appointment with the Stuart Resource Centre. Tel. 01224 692777 and seek the professional help that you deserve. |
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Telephone Help with BenefitsFor information or help with benefits contact the Benefits Enquiry Line for people with disabilities and their carers – A real live person on the other end who can quide you through what benefits you may be entitled to. |
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Important Contact Numbers Over The Yule Period For People In The Aberdeen AreaEMERGENCY SERVICES G-DOCS & NHS 24 Tel 08454 242424l |
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‘Tis The Season of Goodwill To raise some charity cash why not buy from us?For stocking fillers: For your tree: To send to friends: N.B. There will be no “disabled shoppers” evening at the Bon-Accord Centre this year. |
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Mile of CopperWe’ve still some distance to travel but due to your efforts we’ve raised £1854.84. |