Autoimmune Disease Weekly Links Round-Up

This week's round-up of informative and inspiring articles about autoimmune disease and issues related to chronic illness:


Discover Magazine's blog features, "Identical Twins Usually Don't Die From the Same Thing: The Lost Message About Genes & Disease." The article is by Luke Jostins, "a postgraduate student working on the genetic basis of complex autoimmune diseases."


ABC News reports, "Early Use of Drug Might Slow Progression of Multiple Sclerosis" about interferon beta-1a. 


"Celiac Disease in the Elderly" from Care2 notes, "celiac disease is being diagnosed in the elderly with increasing frequency."  

WebMD asks, "Could Caffeine Help Dry Eye? Scientists Find Caffeine May Boost Tear Production." As a coffee lover this is welcome news to me, though it looks like the increase in tear production isn't lasting and more research is necessary. 

The Milwaukee Wisconsin Journal Sentinel explains that "Consuming more fatty acids may reduce symptoms of dry eye," regardless of the cause (which is why fish oil supplements were my Friday Favorite not long ago). Other studies, however, have shown that fish oil supplements may not help Multiple Sclerosis patients with their disease (though they are still good for their hearts): "Fish oil supplements don't help M.S. patients: study," from Reuters. 

According to Medill Reports Chicago, "Mouse trials suggest mononucleosis virus may supress [sic] lupus." This report builds upon similar recent studies of the Epstein Barr virus, which is associated with mononucleosis (published in Immunology).

The Chicago Daily Herald published the article, "Curcumin shows promise in easing rheumatoid arthritis pain." Curcumin is derived from the spice turmeric, "a member of the ginger plant family." 


Stephen McPhail, a football (soccer) player with Sjogren's syndrome, has been voted Clubman of the Year by the Cardiff City Supporters Club, reports Wales Online in "McPhail thanks for support from fans." 

Tampa Bay's 10 News shared the story of an 11-year-old girl receiving a promising treatment for her alopecia: "11-year-old has a rare autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss, but new treatment is helping it grown back."

New York's Watertown Daily Times published a story about a high school student-athlete coping with Crohn's disease: "South Jefferson's Barker carries on despite Crohn's Disease." 

Have you read any great articles lately? If so, feel free to leave a link in the comments section!