MS-Perspektive - The Multiple Sclerosis Podcast

👉 Read the full interview as a blog article (including all quotes and topics): 🔗 https://ms-perspektive.com/120-luigi-azzarone [https://ms-perspektive.com/120-luigi-azzarone] ⏱ Time Stamps – Jump to the Part That Matters Most to You: 00:00 – Introduction 02:15 – Luigi's background and MS diagnosis 05:42 – How MS led him to neuroscience 08:30 – Speaking at the European Parliament 12:10 – Main messages to policymakers and youth advocates 15:20 – Barriers in accessible housing for young people with disabilities 18:55 – Why information and awareness are crucial 21:10 – Practical solutions for inclusive housing 24:05 – Transitioning existing buildings into accessible homes 26:30 – The role of youth voices in shaping policy 29:45 – Encouragement for young people with MS 32:10 – Balancing life as a researcher and a patient 35:00 – Hopes for future autoimmune disease research 38:05 – Quickfire questions 40:20 – Final reflections and message to the MS community 42:30 – Where to find Luigi online 📝 Summary In this episode, Nele speaks with Luigi Azzarone, a young Italian scientist living with multiple sclerosis (MS). Diagnosed at age 17, Luigi transformed his personal experience into motivation for scientific and social impact. Today, he works in regulatory affairs and neuroscience research while actively advocating for accessibility, inclusion, and patient rights. We discuss Luigi’s speech at the European Parliament, the urgent need for accessible housing, and how awareness campaigns can empower people living with chronic conditions. He shares how living with MS informs his research — and how young people can make their voices heard in science, politics, and beyond. A must-listen for anyone looking for hope, perspective, and real-world action. 🌐 Mentioned Links & Resources * MS International Federation (MSIF) – global information & resources 🔗 https://www.msif.org [https://www.msif.org] * Luigi Azzarone on LinkedIn – connect and follow his work 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/luigi-azzarone-1b348119b/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/luigi-azzarone-1b348119b/] * European Youth Event (EYE) – where Luigi spoke 🔗 https://european-youth-event.europarl.europa.eu/ [https://european-youth-event.europarl.europa.eu/] 💬 If you enjoyed this episode, feel free to share it with others in the MS community. And if you’d like to support the podcast, consider leaving a short review — it helps others find these inspiring stories. See you soon and try to make the best out of your life, Nele For more information and positive thoughts, subscribe to my newsletter for free. [https://ms-perspektive.de/en/newsletter/] Click here for an overview of all podcast episodes published so far. [https://ms-perspektive.de/en/podcast-2/]

👉 Read the full blog article here: https://ms-perspektive.com/119-mssa In this powerful episode, I speak with Non Helena M. Smit, CEO of MS South Africa, about the unique challenges and inspiring progress in the fight against multiple sclerosis in South Africa. From personal loss to national advocacy, Non Helena shares her journey and the work her team is doing to improve care, increase awareness, and empower people living with MS. This conversation is part of my international series, showcasing how MS impacts lives across the globe — because while the disease may be the same, the experiences are not. Let’s learn, support, and stand together. 🔍 In This Episode You’ll Learn About: * The structure of MS care in South Africa (private, public, allied) * Major challenges: delayed diagnosis, lack of access, stigma, and employment insecurity * MS South Africa’s successes: MSIF membership, nationwide peer support, GP training, workplace advocacy * Ongoing projects: public access to DMTs, MS registry, EBV prevention, Africa-wide early diagnosis * Clinical trial diversity and why representation matters * Mental health support, SADAG partnership, and emotional resilience * The crucial role of families, caregivers, and informed self-advocacy * The legal protections available to people with MS in South Africa * Why early diagnosis and prevention should be top priorities in the next 5 years 🔗 Important Links 📝 Full Blog Article & Interview Transcript https://ms-perspektive.com/119-voices-of-leadership-ms-south-africa 🌍 MS South Africa Website https://www.multiplesclerosis.co.za [https://www.multiplesclerosis.co.za] 📱 MS South Africa on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/multiplesclerosis [https://www.instagram.com/multiplesclerosis] 💼 MS South Africa on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/multiplesclerosis-sa [https://www.linkedin.com/company/multiplesclerosis-sa] 📘 MS South Africa on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/multiplesclerosisSA [https://www.facebook.com/multiplesclerosisSA] ▶️ MS South Africa on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@multiplesclerosisSA [https://www.youtube.com/@multiplesclerosisSA] 📲 WhatsApp Support Line Available via the contact page on their website: https://www.multiplesclerosis.co.za [https://www.multiplesclerosis.co.za] 💬 South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) https://www.sadag.org [https://www.sadag.org] 👟 The May 50K Campaign (Global MS Research Fundraiser) https://www.themay50k.com [https://www.themay50k.com] 🌐 Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF) https://www.msif.org [https://www.msif.org] 💡 Let’s Stay Connected! Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone who needs to hear more about MS advocacy and support around the world. Together, we can raise awareness, build community, and push for better care — everywhere. 🎤 Host: Nele von Horsten 🌍 Podcast: MS-Perspektive International – The Multiple Sclerosis Podcast 📬 Contact: https://ms-perspektive.com/kontakt [https://ms-perspektive.com/kontakt] For more information and positive thoughts, subscribe to my newsletter for free. [https://ms-perspektive.de/en/newsletter/] Click here for an overview of all podcast episodes published so far. [https://ms-perspektive.de/en/podcast-2/]

🔗 Read the full blog: https://ms-perspektive.com/118-brain-health [https://ms-perspektive.com/118-brain-health] In this inspiring episode, I’m joined once again by Dr. Sanja Gluscevic, who you may remember from episode #081. This time, we dive into something both powerful and practical: brain health—what it means, why it matters, and how you can start protecting yours today. Sanja introduces us to the Brain Health Challenge 2025, a global awareness campaign encouraging people to prioritize their brain health in creative, accessible ways. From wearing a helmet as a symbol of brain protection to sharing personal brain-boosting strategies on social media, the challenge is making brain health visible and actionable—especially for people living with MS and other chronic conditions. 🔍 In this episode, we explore: * What brain health really means—and why it’s especially important for people with MS * How invisible symptoms like cognitive fatigue, anxiety, and brain fog impact everyday life * Sanja’s personal motivation for co-founding the Brain Health Challenge * Simple, evidence-based steps to improve your brain health (yes, even with MS!) * Real-life examples of how cognitive training can make a difference * How the challenge empowers people to take action and build community Whether you're living with MS, caring for someone who is, or simply curious about how to protect your brain for the long haul—this episode will leave you informed and inspired. 📌 Join the challenge and protect what matters most: 👉 https://brainhealth-challenge.org/ [https://brainhealth-challenge.org/] Thanks for that great initiative to Sanja and everybody else involved. See you soon and try to make the best out of your life, Nele For more information and positive thoughts, subscribe to my newsletter for free. [https://ms-perspektive.de/en/newsletter/] Click here for an overview of all podcast episodes published so far. [https://ms-perspektive.de/en/podcast-2/]

Read the full blog article for this episode here: 👉 https://ms-perspektive.com/117-fear [https://ms-perspektive.com/117-fear] In this deeply personal episode, I talk about a feeling we all know too well: fear. Whether it's the fear that comes with a new MS diagnosis, anxiety around health uncertainties, or concern about the state of democracy and social justice—fear can be overwhelming. I share my own journey with fear and how I’ve learned to regain control through small, powerful steps like journaling, healthy routines, and taking civic action. I also talk about why engaging outside your social media bubble and using your voice—especially by voting—can help counter the fear of political shifts that may affect vulnerable groups, including people with chronic illnesses. You’ll also hear tips on: * How to recognize when fear is becoming too much * Where and how to seek professional help * Using success or gratitude journals to shift your mindset * Why your personal choices matter—and how much power you really have 💬 Quote of the episode: "The three-letter superpower isn’t the USA—it’s YOU." Whether you're living with MS or supporting someone who is, I hope this episode gives you encouragement, clarity, and a sense of agency. 💛 Let’s stay connected: Website: ms-perspektive.com [https://ms-perspektive.com] Instagram: @ms.perspektive.international [https://www.instagram.com/ms.perspektive.international/] Newsletter: Sign up on the website to never miss an episode! 🎙️ Thank you for listening— Take care, and remember: you are stronger than your fear. --- For more information and positive thoughts, subscribe to my newsletter for free. [https://ms-perspektive.com/newsletter] Click here for an overview of all podcast episodes published so far. [https://ms-perspektive.com/podcast-2/]

🔗 Read the full blog article here [https://ms-perspektive.com/116-sugar] In this episode, Dr. Franz-Werner Dippel—medical scientist and nutrition expert—joins us to explore the widespread impact of excessive sugar consumption on our health. Drawing from 73 high-quality meta-analyses, he explains which diseases are linked to sugar and why reducing intake is important for everyone—especially for those already managing chronic conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS). While there is no clear causal link between sugar and MS itself, the concern lies in the fact that comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, and fatty liver are more likely to occur with high sugar intake—and those conditions can complicate the treatment and progression of MS. If you're living with MS, your health is already under enough pressure. Avoiding unnecessary additional burdens is key. This conversation is a powerful motivator to rethink your daily habits and take control of your long-term well-being. 🔍 Topics Covered: * What science really says about sugar and chronic illness * How excess sugar contributes to weight gain, insulin resistance, and inflammation * Why sugar-related diseases like diabetes or cardiovascular issues matter even more if you have MS * Findings from a landmark global study on sugar and 83 health conditions * The role of sugary drinks and processed foods in driving chronic disease * Understanding different types of sugar (glucose, fructose, galactose) * How to read labels and spot hidden sugars * Sugar addiction: fact or myth? And how can you break the cycle? 🎓 About my guest: Dr. Franz-Werner Dippel is a biologist and medical scientist with more than 30 years of experience in nutrition-related metabolic disorders. He lectures across Germany and collaborates with the Technical University of Berlin. His passion for nutrition began in his teens, when quitting sugar helped cure his severe acne. Today, he’s dedicated to educating others about the long-term consequences of excessive sugar intake. 📚 Further Resources: * “The Big Sugar Lie” – ARTE documentary (in German) Watch on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qe5spCAQgr0] * Books: * Robert Lustig – Fat Chance: The Bitter Truth About Sugar * John Yudkin – Pure, White and Deadly * Gary Taubes – The Case Against Sugar * Michael Moss – Salt Sugar Fat ✨ From me: This conversation was a wake-up call for me personally. While sugar might not directly impact MS, I certainly don’t want to add preventable health issues on top of an existing diagnosis. Starting today, I’m committed to cutting back on sugar—and maybe this episode will inspire you to do the same. 📌 I’ll be sharing more content on this topic soon. Until then, I highly recommend checking out the twin study on MS and the gut microbiome, featured in [Episode #156 with Dr. Lisa-Ann Gerdes]. 💌 Want motivation and science-based insights in your inbox? Subscribe to my free newsletter [https://ms-perspektive.de/en/newsletter/]. 🎙️ See all podcast episodes here [https://ms-perspektive.de/en/podcast-2/]