Psychology-colleagues are raising money for MS-research: ‘Most of us take their cognitive skills for granted’
Running, walking or horseback riding: colleagues from the Health, Medical and Neuropsychology unit are each working up a sweat this month to raise money for research on Multiple Sclerosis. How much have they collected so far?
Getting moving for those who aren’t as able anymore: that’s what the May 50K Challenge of the MS Research Foundation is all about. A team of researchers of the MindS-lab have taken up the challenge this month to go the distance, or even further. What drives them? ‘Just the thought of losing my cognitive skills makes me anxious, so I can only imagine how this is for people suffering from MS.’
So far, 2.340 has been raised. The goal is to collect 4.000 euro before the end of May. The money will be used for MS research, as being done at the MindS-lab.
Pauline Waskowiak, PhD
Goal:
'Running 150 kilometers, including a half marathon!'
Because:
‘As part of the Don’t be late study and together with team MindSlab, I aim to improve the early identification of cognitive symptoms in people with MS. During my work I often see people who are experiencing cognitive problems. Especially the personal stories and the impact that these symptoms can have for each of them are a big motivation for me. With the donations of the May50K I am sure that we will come closer to reaching our goal of improving quality of life for people with MS!’
Jip Aarts, PhD
Goal:
'Running 100 KM'
Because:
'With a background in Human Movement Sciences, I know how important it is to be active and participate in exercise. Exercise can influence a lot of different factors, of which cognition also seems to be influenced. In people with MS, problems with cognition are quite common, which has a negative impact on their quality of life. This month, I want to raise money for research focused on cognitive functioning in MS by performing exercise myself, but also trying to stimulate others to start exercising as it can help your body function better!
Hanneke Hulst, professor
Goal:
'Travelling 50 kilometers on the back of Queen, a black, 900kg, Pecheron mare that I take care of three days a week.'
Because:
‘MS is the most common neurological disorder amongst young adults (age 20-40 years). Next to physical symptoms, cognitive decline occurs in approximately 50% of the persons with MS. As a scientist, my cognitive functions form the driving force behind the research I am doing. Just the thought of losing my cognitive skills makes me anxious, so I can only imagine how this is for people suffering from MS. This is exactly the reason why team MindS-lab would do everything that is in their (brain)power to work towards cognitive rehabilitation strategies for people with MS. Part of which can be realized by funding from for example the MS Research Foundation.’
Sabina van Veen, postdoc
Goal:
'Walking 100 kilometers together with Charlie, my 9-year-old Labradoodle.'
Because:
‘Decline in cognitive functioning in people with MS can greatly impact their quality of life as it can make it more difficult to carry out activities in daily life, maintain employment and engage in social activities. To improve our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of cognitive decline and identify effective interventions to improve cognitive functioning and overall quality of life research is so important.’
Marit Ruitenberg, assistant professor
Goal:
'Running at least 50K, by running the Leiden half marathon.'
Because:
‘Thanks to a grant I recently received, I will be conducting my own research into MS in the near future, investigating whether subtle changes in motor skills of people with MS are related to abnormalities in the integrity of the brain network. As a newcomer to the MS field, I look forward to engaging with people for MS both through my research and completing the May 50k challenge!’
Priska Zuber, postdoc
Goal:
‘Challenging myself to run 50 kilometers this month. As a non-experienced runner and newbie to Leiden and its surroundings, for me the challenge is equally difficult and beautiful.’
Because:
‘Working full time, switching between several projects, planning what I want to eat for dinner or remembering all groceries I need while food shopping – all things that are automated for me. While most of us take our cognitive skills for granted, many people with MS suffer from cognitive impairment that makes such daily life tasks very difficult. With this challenge and every donation- small, big or from far away -, we have the chance to raise awareness but also support for research on rehabilitative strategies to reach our aim of leaving difficulties in daily life due to cognitive impairment in people with MS behind.’
Shalina Saddal, PhD
Goal:
'Running 100KM.'
Because:
‘Since July 2022 I've been part of the Don't be late! study, which aims to develop interventions that prevent (further) cognitive decline and job loss in people with MS. In the past year I have learned a lot about MS, cognition and work and the impact these factors have on the quality of life of people with MS. The need for effective interventions is high and continuing research in this area is very important. I feel lucky to be a part of this research group and the opportunity to raise money for more MS research by running 100k this month. Even though running isn’t my favorite form of exercise, the importance of this cause keeps me motivated to stick with it and reach my set goal.’