IJMSC June 2026 Research Roundup

This month’s issue of IJMSC features research on multidisciplinary approaches to managing multiple sclerosis, ranging from the challenges of aging to futuristic therapeutic technologies.

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 emerging 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

Aging, Comorbidity, and Polypharmacy

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

Exploring Factors and Nonpharmacological Interventions Associated With Respiratory Function in People with Multiple Sclerosis: A Scoping Review

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

Respiratory Function and Rehabilitation

This scoping review identifies that while lung function often remains stable in MS, factors such as disease progression, fatigue, and thoracic kyphosis are associated with respiratory decline. The research emphasizes that nonpharmacological interventions, including respiratory muscle training and Pilates, show promise in improving respiratory outcomes though larger and longer trials are needed.

Lived Experiences of Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction for People With Multiple Sclerosis and Their Providers: A Qualitative Meta-Synthesis

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

Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction

Qualitative analysis from the UK reveals that people with MS face social and emotional distress due to bladder and bowel symptoms. The barr yet they often encounter barriers to care such as their own embarrassment and a lack of clinician-initiated discussions. The findings suggest a need for more educational resources and better access to interventions.

The recurring gap identified in 3 of these papers is not knowledge of MS itself but coordination: who on the care team owns comorbidity review, respiratory monitoring, and bladder and bowel conversations.

The Emerging Role of Optogenetics in Multiple Sclerosis Research

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

Emerging Research: Optogenetics

This review explores the 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, though human safety has yet to be determined.

The distance between an optogenetics model and an MS clinic is still considerable, but work like this is where the next generation of repair-focused therapies will begin.