IJMSC June 2026 Research Roundup

Overview of June 2026 research published by IJMSC.

The June 2026 papers published by the International Journal of MS Care feature research on multidisciplinary approaches to managing multiple sclerosis, ranging from the challenges of aging to futuristic therapeutic technologies.

Comorbidity, Polypharmacy, and Aging in Multiple Sclerosis

Ruth Ann Marrie, Jacquelyn Bainbridge, Patty Bobryk, Jeff Wilken, Jennifer S. Graves, Renee Stewart, Rachael Stacom, Mona D. Bostick, Maureen T. Choman, Frederick W. Foley, John R. Corboy, Scott D. Newsome, Le H. Hua, Yinan Zhang, Sarah A. Morrow

This narrative review highlights how the increasing prevalence of comorbidities and polypharmacy in aging MS populations significantly impacts disability progression, treatment safety, and overall quality of life. The authors argue for the development of multidisciplinary care models that integrate pharmacists and geriatric principles to better manage these complex medical profiles and improve patient adherence.

Exploring Factors and Nonpharmacological Interventions Associated With Respiratory Function

Amani M. Assiry, Ali A. Alammari, Ashley Parish, Brooks C. Wingo

A comprehensive scoping review identifies that while lung function often remains stable in early MS, factors such as disease progression, fatigue, and thoracic kyphosis are strongly associated with respiratory decline. The research emphasizes that nonpharmacological interventions, including respiratory muscle training and Pilates, show significant promise in improving respiratory outcomes and should be monitored early in the disease course.

Lived Experiences of Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction: A Qualitative Meta-Synthesis

Lauren Van Valkenburgh, Sarah Poinski-McCoy, Valerie J. Block, Heather Coats, Mark M. Mañago

Qualitative analysis reveals that people with MS face profound social and emotional distress due to bladder and bowel symptoms, yet they often encounter barriers to care such as patient embarrassment and a lack of clinician-initiated discussions. The findings highlight an urgent need for standardized clinical pathways and educational resources to increase access to specialized interventions like pelvic floor physical therapy.

The Emerging Role of Optogenetics in Multiple Sclerosis Research

Hala AbouShawareb, Boshra Attiya, Asmaa Zakria Alnajjar, Mostafa Meshref, Ahmed Z. Obeidat

This review explores the innovative potential of optogenetics, a technique combining light and genetics, to promote remyelination by stimulating oligodendrocyte and Schwann cell proliferation in MS models. While currently focused on animal and cell studies, this technology offers a possible future for targeted drug delivery, gene therapy, and the repair of cognitive deficits associated with neurodegeneration.

These texts emphasize multidisciplinary care that integrates specialized medical expertise, including pharmacy, geriatrics, and pelvic health, with the real-world experiences of people with MS to improve quality of life while looking toward innovative, precision-guided technologies like optogenetics for future targeted remyelination and cognitive repair.