The ECTRIMS Podcast

What role does the gut microbiome play in multiple sclerosis — and how close are we to translating microbiome research into meaningful clinical interventions?
In this episode of the ECTRIMS Podcast, host Brett Drummond is joined by Mahesh Desai (Luxembourg Institute of Health) and Ashutosh Mangalam (University of Iowa), two internationally recognised leaders in microbiome and MS research, to explore how gut microbes influence disease susceptibility, progression, and immune regulation in MS.
The discussion moves beyond simple "good vs bad bacteria" narratives, highlighting why microbial function, community structure, and host–microbiome dialogue are far more informative than individual taxa alone. The speakers examine evidence from animal models and human studies, including twin studies, microbial networks, and immune markers such as IgA coating, to understand whether microbiome changes are drivers or consequences of disease.
They also explore the potential of the gut microbiome as a predictive biomarker, the challenges of causality, and why diet and personalised approaches may be key to restoring immune balance in MS.

Cognitive change is one of the most common—and most misunderstood—symptoms of multiple sclerosis. In this episode, host Brett Drummond speaks with Dr. Vicki Levitt (Columbia University) and Dr. Tom Fuchs (MS Center Amsterdam) about the state of cognition research, why measurement still lags behind clinical need, and how new tools may change the field forever.

At every stage of the MS journey, nurses are the steady link between patients, families, and the healthcare team.
In this episode, host Brett Drummond speaks with Amy Perrin Ross, MS Specialist Nurse and Program Coordinator at Loyola University Chicago (USA), and Miguel Ángel Cortés-Vicente, Multiple Sclerosis Consultant Nurse at CEMCAT – Centre d'Esclerosi Múltiple de Catalunya (Spain), about the evolving role of MS nurses — from care coordination and patient engagement to leadership in research and innovation.
They share insights from the 2025 ECTRIMS Congress Nurse Sessions, exploring how nurses are advancing health literacy, supporting shared decision-making, and integrating AI to improve patient care.

While much of MS care focuses on physical symptoms, mental health challenges—like depression, anxiety, loneliness, and stigma—often go under-recognised.
In this episode, host Brett Drummond speaks with Dr. Rebecca MaGuire, psychologist and MS researcher at Maynooth University, who also lives with MS herself. Together they discuss why mental health must become a core part of MS care, what the latest research reveals, and how clinicians and communities can better support emotional wellbeing throughout the MS journey.

Patient Community Day 2025 set a new attendance record, highlighting the growing desire among people living with MS to connect with experts leading the charge in understanding the disease and advancing effective treatments.
After the event wrapped up in Barcelona, host Brett Drummond caught up with Julie Petrin, Director of Impact and Evaluation at MS Canada and a person living with MS, and Non Helena Smit, CEO of MS South Africa, to reflect on key takeaways and share what they're looking forward to at next year's event in Toronto.