BeCare Link

11/12/2025

𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈 𝐛𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐎𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐮𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐊𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐚? With so many new treatments for Multiple Sclerosis (MS), choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Ocrevus and Kesimpta both target the same B-cell pathway, yet they differ in how they’re administered and who they’re best suited for. Ocrevus remains the only approved option for Primary Progressive MS, while Kesimpta offers convenient at-home injections for those with relapsing forms. Understanding these differences—and coming prepared with questions—can help you and your doctor make the best decision for your care.

At BeCare MS, we’re here to help you stay informed, track your disease progression, and connect with a supportive community of MS patients and resources. Be empowered. Be a driver in your own MS journey.

Read more: https://becarelink.com/should-i-be-on-ocrevus-and-kesimpta/

10/30/2025

𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐦𝐲 𝐌𝐒 𝐩𝐮𝐭 𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫?

Recent research from UCSF has uncovered a genetic variant that may accelerate disability progression in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), marking an important step toward precision medicine in MS care. This discovery highlights how genetics can influence disease trajectory and underscores the need for continued research into neuroinflammation and nerve repair.

As our understanding of MS biology deepens, tools like the MS App empower patients and clinicians to monitor progression in real time and make more informed, personalized treatment decisions—helping every individual take an active role in their MS journey.

Read more:

Multiple sclerosis (MS) has been divided into different subtypes based on disease activity and progression. Some people have Radiologically Isolated Syndrome (RIS) in which the signs of MS are only MRI abnormalities without clinical symptoms, Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS) in which the person on...

10/22/2025

𝐀 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐧’𝐬 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞: 𝐁𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐑𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠

A growing body of research is revealing that something as simple as riding a bike can make a real difference for people living with Parkinson’s Disease (PD). A recent review of over 200 studies found that bicycling helps improve motor control, balance, cognition, and even quality of life — offering both physical and psychological benefits. While cycling doesn’t replace medication or surgical treatments, its ability to enhance neuroplasticity and delay symptom progression highlights its value as a disease-modifying activity. At BeCare Parkinson’s, we’re empowering patients to take charge of their health by tracking neurological, mental, and lifestyle changes over time — because every small improvement can lead to a stronger, more independent journey with PD.

Read more: https://becarelink.com/𝐀-𝐍𝐞𝐰-𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭-𝐟𝐨𝐫/

10/16/2025

🚀 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐨𝐢𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞: 𝐂𝐀𝐑 𝐓-𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐬?

In neurologic autoimmune diseases like Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Myasthenia Gravis (MG), the body’s own immune system turns against the nervous system. While existing B-cell–targeted therapies help many patients, they are not curative and can cause side effects.

A new frontier is emerging with CAR T cell therapy, originally developed for blood cancers, now showing promise for neuroimmunologic disorders. These engineered immune cells can cross the blood-brain barrier to eliminate harmful B cells while sparing those essential for infection defense, potentially addressing patients who remain refractory to current treatments.

As clinical trials expand and “off-the-shelf” options evolve, CAR T could redefine how we treat autoimmune diseases of the nervous system.

📲 Learn more about CAR T therapy in MS and MG and how BeCare Link’s apps help patients track their progress in the full article (link in comments).

10/08/2025

𝐂𝐨𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐒 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐝

A recent study showed that 25% of patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) suffer from cognitive decline even if they have very subtle if any physical disabilities. As many as 70% of MS patients suffer from cognitive decline (many with physical disabilities as well). The cognitive difficulties may include memory issues, multitasking, and information processing speed. To make the diagnosis of cognitive decline and define which processes are involved traditionally involves lengthy and expensive neuropsychological tests-which are rarely ordered for those reasons.

Even though cognitive decline is so prevalent in MS, it is often overlooked in face of symptoms that you can see, like difficulty with walking and motor weakness. Further, the disability scale that is employed most at MS centers to track disability is the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). This is a lengthy test that has great inter-rater variability (meaning that two clinicians determining the score often derive vastly different results). Further, it requires clinician training which is not even always done by MS specialists, let alone general neurologists or primary care doctors (who treat the majority of MS patients). One fundamental flaw of the EDSS is that the score is heavily weighted toward ambulation, with very little quantitative scoring for cognition. The result is that MS patients suffering with cognitive impairment do not get the support they need to maintain functional living.

The BeCare MS Mobile App has extensive quantitative cognitive testing conducted through gamified activities on the phone as well as subjective symptom questionnaires. The app also has gamified quantitative measurement of ambulation, motor, sensory and cerebellar function, as well as calculation of the EDSS which has been validated at academic instiutions. By using the BeCare MS App, you can track the effectiveness of your both your neurologic and cognitive function, which can help you work with your clinician to determine the next best step. Be empowered; be a driver in your own MS care.

https://becarelink.com/cognitive-decline-in-ms-overlooked/

10/02/2025

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐀𝐥𝐳𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐫’𝐬 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐇𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐧 Two-thirds of Americans living with are —and it’s not just because women live longer. Biological, genetic, and sociocultural factors all play a role, from the impact of estrogen loss at menopause to differences in how amyloid and tau proteins behave in the brain. Even the strongest genetic risk factor, APOE4, affects women more severely than men. Understanding these disparities is crucial for earlier , better treatment, and more effective interventions. Tools like the BeCare Neuro App can empower individuals to take charge of their brain health through assessment, guidance, and monitoring.

https://becarelink.com/why-alzheimers-disease-hits-women-harder-than-men/

09/25/2025

𝐃𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐌𝐒 𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐦𝐲 𝐬𝐞𝐱 𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is widely known for its challenges—fatigue, pain, cognitive changes, and depression—but few expect it to also trigger hypers*xuality. While most patients experience reduced libido, in rare cases MS lesions or certain medications can lead to uncontrollable s*xual urges that disrupt relationships, work, and safety. Recognizing red flags—such as guilt, risky behavior, or interference with daily responsibilities—is critical. Risk is higher in those with prior trauma, addiction, or mood disorders, and while hypers*xuality is more often linked to conditions like Parkinson’s, MS patients are not exempt. Open conversations with providers, reviewing medications, and proactive symptom tracking with tools like BeCare MS can help patients address this complex issue without shame. Be empowered; become a driver of your own MS care.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) has many unexpected effects on your life, from sleep difficulty to cognitive impairment to sensitivity to temperature extremes. But one which wouldn’t come to mind is that MS may increase s*x drive and even s*xual function. Now, many of you may be saying “hold on just a m...

09/17/2025

𝐒𝐥𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐈𝐥𝐥𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬

Sleep challenges are common, but for people living with neurologic conditions like MS, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and migraines, they are often even more disruptive—impacting up to 90% of patients compared with about 10% of the general population. Sleep can be affected by changes in brain chemistry, structural damage to sleep-regulating regions, comorbid conditions, mood disorders, and even the medications used to treat these illnesses. Left unaddressed, poor sleep can worsen fatigue, cognition, mobility, and mental health. The good news is that there are many strategies and treatments—from sleep center evaluations and exercise to tailored medication management—that can help improve sleep quality. At BeCare Link, we’re committed to supporting patients on this journey by monitoring neurologic health, mood, and lifestyle, empowering individuals to take charge of their care.

https://becarelink.com/sleep-disorders-in-neurologic-illness/

09/11/2025

𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 “𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐩 𝐆𝐚𝐩” 𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐒 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬

Have you ever heard of the “crap gap”? While it might sound like a joke, it’s a real term used in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) care to describe the frustrating period when the effects of a disease-modifying therapy (DMT) begin to wear off before the next dose. During this time, people may experience fatigue, brain fog, weakness, or other recurring symptoms—often mistaken for new disease activity. Knowing how to distinguish a “crap gap” from a true relapse is essential for both patients and clinicians. BeCare MS can help track these changes, support symptom management, and empower individuals to take charge of their neurologic health journey.

You may be wondering what the heck is a “crap gap” and is it really a medical term used in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) treatments. Yes -it really is. The “Crap gap” is the period of time between doses of your scheduled disease-modifying therapy (DMT)when you are soon to be due for your next trea...

09/04/2025

𝐋𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐮𝐦: 𝐀 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐀𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐀𝐥𝐳𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐫’𝐬 Most people think of lithium only as a psychiatric medication, but it’s also naturally present in all human brains. 🧠 A new Harvard study shows that reduced levels of lithium may play a key role in Alzheimer’s disease, binding to amyloid plaques and contributing to memory loss. Even more promising, restoring lithium in mouse models not only prevented cognitive decline but actually reversed some of the damage. While challenges remain in creating safe, tolerable formulations for humans, this discovery opens the door to novel treatments—and new hope for patients and families facing Alzheimer’s. At BeCare Neuro, we’re committed to empowering individuals to track and protect their brain health so they can be drivers of their own journey.

https://becarelink.com/lithium-a-surprising-ally-in-the-fight-against-alzheimers/

08/28/2025

𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐦𝐲 𝐌𝐒?

Americans are investing heavily in vitamins and supplements—spending over $20 billion a year—yet many may not realize the risks of overuse, drug interactions, or lack of proven benefit.

For people living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), the topic is even more complex: while vitamins like D, A, and B12 are linked to inflammation, bone health, and cognitive function, research remains mixed, and high doses can sometimes interfere with MS treatments or cause harmful side effects. Since supplements are not tightly regulated by the FDA, informed decision-making is essential.

The BeCare MS App helps patients track symptoms, monitor their neurologic health, and use AI-driven tools to get tailored insights, empowering them to have more productive conversations with their physicians and play an active role in their MS journey.

https://becarelink.com/should-i-take-vitamins-to-help-my-ms/

08/20/2025

𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐧’𝐬 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬

Parkinson’s disease (PD) affects movement, facial expression, and sometimes cognition, and managing symptoms has traditionally relied on adjusting medications. While Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) can provide relief, it is invasive and not a cure. A newer, non-invasive option—High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)—targets the brain area causing tremors, often providing immediate improvement without surgery. For patients with tremor-dominant PD, this can restore daily functions like eating, writing, and drinking. Tools like the BeCare Parkinson’s App help patients track symptoms, monitor treatment effectiveness, and partner with clinicians, empowering them to take an active role in guiding their care journey.

https://becarelink.com/𝐍𝐞𝐰-𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐟-𝐟𝐨𝐫-𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤/