MS-Perspektive - The Multiple Sclerosis Podcast
Subscribe to the podcast

I’m Nele, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2004 and have been studying Multiple Sclerosis Management (M. Sc.) since 2022. During my studies, I learn everything about this disease, from the basics of neuroimmunology and pathology to correct diagnosis and preventive and symptomatic treatment. Thanks to a detailed statistics module, I know how to assess the value of studies and the module on monitoring and documentation helps me to keep an eye on the disease at all times and to be able to react more quickly if necessary.
I try to pass on all the well-founded scientific findings and the expertise of the lecturers in the podcast in an easily understandable way and use my own experiences and conversations with other people affected to present the picture of MS in many different ways. It is my goal that as many other people with MS as possible are able to have the same wonderful and fulfilling life as I do. This is possible for the majority of people today, as knowledge and treatment options have increased enormously in recent years. I am doing my bit to pass on this knowledge in digestible bites.
Here you will find information and strategies on how you can actively influence your course. I publish individual articles with my experiences, interview experts on various topics related to living with MS as well as other people affected. In addition, there are some episodes that serve to relax, promote a positive attitude and provide inspiration.
You can search for specific topics using the search function and within the categories. There is also a blog article to read about almost every podcast. It’s best to subscribe to the podcast on a platform of your choice so that you never miss an episode.

Im MS-Perspektive Podcast stelle ich Dir meine Sichtweise die Multiple Sklerose vor und zeige Dir, wie Du das beste aus der Diagnose machen kannst. Denn ein schönes und erfülltes Leben ist auch mit Multipler Sklerose möglich. Hier findest Du Informationen und Strategien, wie Du Deinen Verlauf aktiv beeinflussen kannst. Dazu veröffentliche ich Solobeiträge mit meinen Erfahrungen, interviewe Experten und zu verschiedensten Themen rund um ein Leben mit MS sowie andere Betroffene. Außerdem gibt es einige bunte Folgen, die der Entspannung, positiven Einstellung und Anregung dienen.
Learn how MSIF is shaping a better future for people with MS—through global collaboration, advocacy, and the power of lived experience.
Read the interview highlights on my blog: https://ms-perspektive.com/112-msif
The Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF) plays a vital role in uniting the global MS community to improve the lives of people affected by multiple sclerosis. In this inspiring interview, Peer Baneke, former CEO, and Lydia Makaroff, the new CEO, share their insights on past milestones, current challenges, and the future vision of MSIF. From global access to treatments, early diagnosis, and mental health support to patient-led research and digital innovation—this conversation offers valuable perspectives for anyone living with MS or working to support those who do.
👉 Take a moment to listen to the full podcast episode or read the interview highlights—whether you’re living with MS, supporting a loved one, or working in the field, there’s something here for you. Let’s stay connected, informed, and inspired—together with the global MS community. 💪🧡
Table of Contents
- Introduction & Personal Insights
- The Mission of MSIF
- Global Impact and Collaboration
- Advocacy and Access to Care
- Patient Voices and Well-being
- Research, Innovation and the Future
- Strengthening the Global MS Movement
- Final Reflections
Introduction & Personal Insights Peer, you recently retired after many years at MSIF. Could you briefly introduce yourself and share a personal hobby that kept you grounded during your time as CEO?
Peer Baneke: I’m Peer Baneke, and I served as CEO of MSIF for 18 years. Before that, I worked in human rights and refugee support. MS is close to my heart—my father had MS—and I’ve lived in and around London for over 40 years. What keeps me grounded is my family and cycling. Now that I’m retired, I enjoy even more time for it.
Lydia, congratulations on your new role! Can you tell us a bit about your background and what motivates you to lead MSIF?
Lydia Makaroff: Thank you! I grew up in Australia and worked in the US, Belgium, and now here. I’ve always believed in international collaboration. My background spans science, the pharmaceutical industry, and civil society. What drives me is the opportunity MSIF has to truly create global change for people affected by MS.
Peer, what message of hope would you like to share?
Peer Baneke: There will be progress. Despite global challenges, research and advocacy are moving forward. The commitment of the MS community gives me great hope for the future.
Lydia, where can listeners learn more about MSIF?
Lydia Makaroff: Visit www.msif.org, and follow us on Instagram or LinkedIn. Also, check out www.worldmsday.org and join our MS Heart Challenge on May 30th.
—
Thank you for the incredible achievements so far, and for all the important work MSIF is doing and will continue to do in the future.
See you soon and try to make the best out of your life, Nele
For more information and positive thoughts, subscribe to my newsletter for free.
Click here for an overview of all podcast episodes published so far.

Information and tips on the topic of multiple sclerosis
- #080: B-Cell Depletion – Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus), Ofatumumab (Kesimpta, Bonspri), Rituximab (Mabthera, Rituxan), Ublituximab (Briumvi) for active RRMS and SPMS, and early PPMS
- Special: ECTRIMS 2024 – Personalized MS treatments, genetic risk factors and the benefits of early, effective therapies for women and children
- #078: Cladribine (Mavenclad, Leustat, Litak) for highly active MS
- #076: Alemtuzumab (Lemtrada, Campath) for highly active Multiple Sclerosis
- #075: Decoding the EDSS Score. How It’s Measured and What It Means
- #074: S1P Modulators – Fingolimod (Gilenya), Ozanimod (Zeposia), Ponesimod (Ponvory), Siponimod (Mayzent) for active RRMS & SPMS
- #072: Natalizumab (Tysabri, Tyruko) for active relapsing remitting MS
- #070: Teriflunomide (Aubagio) for relapsing remitting MS
- #068: Interferon-beta (Avonex, Betaferon, Extavia, Plegridy, Rebif, …) for CIS, RRMS & SPMS
- #067: MS Speech Therapy Insights. Enhancing Communication and Swallowing
- #065: Glatiramer Acetate (Copaxone) for relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis
- #063: Finding Joy Again. Navigating MS-Related Sexual Dysfunction
- #062: Dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera) & Diroximel fumarate (Vumerity) for relapsing remitting MS
- #061: How to recognize bladder disorders in MS with the help of a simple questionnaire
- #060: Overcoming MS Sleep Challenges for Restful Nights and Brighter Days.
- #057: Depression and MS. How to find your way back to emotional balance
- #054: Living Fully with MS. Managing Bladder and Bowel Disorders
- #051: MS Symptom Pain. How to regain your quality of life
- #047: Spasticity in MS – far more than normal muscle cramps
- #046: MS and Adventure: 10 Essential Traveling Tips You Can’t Miss
- #044: Mind Matters. Navigating Neuropsychological Testing with MS
- #042: Movement restrictions in MS – how to maintain your strength, balance and mobility in the best possible way
- #038: Brain health. Time matters in multiple sclerosis – Summary of the report
- #033: Can neurodegeneration be treated in MS by modulating HERV-W? Interview with Prof. Dr. Patrick Küry
- #032: ECTRIMS 2023. Day 3. Paediatric MS. Female Health. Prodromic MS. HSCT in MS.
- #031: ECTRIMS 2023. Day 2. Menopause. Treatment Efficacy. Immune Reconstitution Therapy. Healthy Lifestyle.
- #030: ECTRIMS 2023. 10 Hot Topics and my highlights of day 1
- #028: Clearing the Fog – Understanding Vision Problems in Multiple Sclerosis
- #026: Cognitive disorders in MS – when the mind goes on strike
- #019: Sensory disturbances in MS – from waddling to electricity shocks
- #018: Movement limitations in MS – how to best maintain strength, balance and mobility
- #016: What is fatigue and how do you deal with it best?
- #012: Overview about possible MS Symptoms
- #010: The disease-modifying therapy (DMT) to prevent MS progression
- #008: Different types of treatment and prevention for MS
- #007: The types of MS – from prodromal phase to progressive course
- #005: Whom do I tell about my MS diagnosis?
- #003: 10 reasons to see a neurologist who specializes in MS
- #002: How can a rapid and clear diagnosis be made?
MS patients
- #073: “Haciendo Lo Invisible, Visible”. Crys’s Journey of Invisible Battles and Visible Triumphs as Latina with MS in the US
- #069: Beyond Boundaries. Advocacy, Research, and Recognition in MS with Rachel Horne
- #059: Scoring for Science. The Dunk MS Fundraiser with Blake Arnet
- #048: Living with progressive MS in Canada. Interview with patient advocate Ardra Shephard
- #045: NoStressMS – Entertaining education about MS. Interview with Damian Washington
- #035: Empowering people with MS for a fulfilling life. Interview with Coach Indu Khurana
- #034: Inclusive Advocacy – Elevating Diverse Voices in Patient Engagement for MS Patients. Interview with Trishna Bharadia
- #029: Living a fulfilling life with MS in the USA. Interview with patient leader Cathy Chester
- #025: Living with progressive MS. Interview with disability advocate Mark Webb from UK
- #023: Interview with Tamara Fumagalli from Italy about her life, writing and travelling with MS
- #021: Living with MS in Ireland. Interview with patient advocate Ciara O’Meara
- #017: Living with MS in Italy. Interview with patient expert Paola Kruger
- #015: Living with MS in Belgium. Interview with patient advocate Pieter van Galen
- #011: Empowerment through adventure. Interview with Lori Schneider
- #006: Interview with Tania Pilz about the international MS-Community Austria and more
- #001: My (Nele Handwerkers) personal journey with MS
MS Experts
- #081: Navigating Treatment and Support for MS, NMOSD, and MOGAD in Montenegro with Dr. Sanja Gluscevic
- #079: How your gut microbiome could influence MS with Prof. Dr. Natalia Szejko
- #077: Tailoring MS Treatment. The Impact of Mood Disorders on Patient Care with Dr. Emine Rabia Koç
- #071: Insights into MS treatment in Colombia with neurologist Dr. Adriana Casallas Vanegas
- #066: Pioneering Paths. Empowering Young Minds in MS & NMO Research with Dr. Sara Samadzadeh
- #064: Navigating MS Treatment in Turkey with Neurologist and Associate Professor Meral Seferoglu
- #058: Immunotherapy for MS. A guide to efficacy and choice with Prof. Tjalf Ziemssen
- #056: Insights into the activities of the European Charcot Foundation with Prof. Giancarlo Comi
- #055: Therapeutic decisions regarding pregnancy and lactation with Prof. Celia Oreja-Guevara
- #053: EBV Insights. Shedding Light on Its Impact on MS with Prof. Dr. Christian Münz
- #052: Sequencing and Escalation in MS Treatment with Prof. Tomas Kalincik
- #050: Future Treatment of MS. Interview with Prof. Tjalf Ziemssen
- #049: CogeX Study Insights for Progressive MS on Cognitive Rehabilitation with Prof. Anthony Feinstein
- #044: Shared Decision Making (SDN) for Treatment Success in MS. Interview with Prof. Christoph Heesen
- #040: Autologous stem cell therapy (aHSCT) in MS. Facts and experiences with Dr. Roland Martin
- #039: Interview with Dr. Barry Singer on precision medicine for MS
- #037: Nourand – Unlocking the Nutritional Code for MS with Dr. Mireia Sospedra
- #036: Rehabilitation in MS (RIMS) – Interview with Dr. Lars Hvid about the scope and projects
- #024: Research on myelin repair. Interview with Dr. Markley Silva Oliveira on the effect of corticosteroid medrysone
- #022: Exploring exercise’s immune benefits and MS symptom relief: Prof. Ulrik Dalgas shares insights
- #020: How to optimize employment and prevent job loss for people with MS. Interview with Dr. Blanca De Dios
- #014: Smoking and MS. Why and how to quit? Interview with Dr. Claudia Marck
- #013: How to prevent falls caused by MS. Interview with Laurits Taul Madsen
- #009: Motoric Cognitive Risk (MCR) Syndrome in MS. Interview with Dr. Alon Kalron
- #004: Interview with Dr. Aaron Boster on the 10 red flags when to change your neurologist