A recent study published in the medical journal Neurology (January 2008) has shown that prevalence of MS in Malta is extremely low compared to neighbouring Sicily. Whilst genes undoubtedly play a role in the low levels of MS in Malta, it is likely that the environment has a significant effect on whether people go on to develop MS.

The author of the study (Dr. Geoffrey Dean) is interested to find out if UK born children of Maltese immigrants to the UK have a higher incidence of MS, unlike their parents born in Malta. If this is the case, it will increase the evidence for the importance of exposure to the local environment (i.e. in this case migration to the UK) as a risk of developing MS.

How can you help this important research?

Dr. Dean is requesting your help if:
• You have been diagnosed with MS and are of Maltese origin (either Maltese born or born in the UK)
• If you aware of anyone of Maltese origin with MS (either Maltese born or born in the UK) to please pass on this information

Dr. Dean writes ‘I would be grateful for your assistance in this research by contacting me, in confidence, if you fulfil the above criteria by writing to me:’

Geoffrey Dean, CBE, MD, FRCP, FFCM
C/O The Health Research Board
73 Lower Baggot Street
Dublin 2
Ireland

Email: hrb@hrb.ie (attention of Dr. Geoffrey Dean)

For further background information you can contact Dr. Lee Dunster, Head of Research and Information at the MS Society on:

Telephone: 020 8438 0956
Email: Ldunster@mssociety.org.uk