Scientists have found the over-active immune response that characterizes multiple sclerosis causes synapses in the brain to get overloaded and stop functioning. According to a new study, the response explains resulting the cognitive declines many patients see later in life. The research confirms a new understanding of what patients say is the most frustrating part of the disease. It also may help scientists find ways to treat an aspect of MS not helped by current immunosuppressive drugs. MS is characterized by the immune system attacking myelin, the fatty white matter tissue in the central nervous system that protects the connections between nerve cells. If myelin is lost or damaged, signals between the cells can be delayed, disrupted or blocked.
