These fat-filled brain cells may be making multiple sclerosis worse

Scientists tracking multiple sclerosis have found a key to why the disease progresses rapidly in some patients. According to ScienceDaily, immune cells in severely affected brains become overloaded with fatty debris from damaged myelin—the protective sheath around nerve fibers. These foamy cells initially help with repair but then switch to fueling inflammation and ongoing damage. The discovery could help doctors predict who faces the highest risk of rapid progression and develop better treatments.

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