b'Natalie BlakeKasey Minnis Executive Director Executive DirectorThere are many ways to contribute toMS-related depression. When an intervention research. Some studies involve nothing morestudy involves drug treatment, that is typically than observation, while others involve somereferred to as a clinical trial.form of intervention. The goal of clinical trials is to assess the Observation studies may track a group ofsafety and efficacy of new drug treatments. participants over time using surveys, biologicalBefore a drug reaches human trials, extensive samples, imaging, or other monitoring methods.laboratory research has already been conducted Typically, these kinds of studies are used toandthereisevidencetosuggestthatits determine how certain traits (such as gender,worthwhile to continue the research. In the race, age) or circumstances (such as diet,U.S., before the rst human trials can begin environment, nancial means) affect a givenon a new treatment, the manufacturer must conditionoroutcome whenthereisnosubmit this evidence and a plan for the trial intervention from researchers. For example,to the FDA as part of an Investigational New researchers might use surveys to ask aboutDrug application and get approval. This is to whether you live in a rural or urban area, howensure that the trial is as safe as possible for long you travel for MS care, and how satisedany participants.you are with your care to determine whether there are neurology deserts affecting theOnly through the clinical trial process can ability of some individuals to get the highestnew treatments be discovered, proven, and quality treatment. Observational studies areapproved for use. That makes these studies low-risk, effective ways to gather clues aboutvital for improving the lives of millions of conditions like MS and how they affect peoplespeople with MS. In this issue, youll read lives. rsthand stories from individuals with MS Intervention studies, on the other hand,who participated in clinical trials, why they involve an experiment. Such experiments dodid so, and how it worked out for them. We hope not always mean drug treatment. For example,their example will inspire you to get involved an intervention study might test whether awith research, whether a clinical trial or in certain type of exercise is effective for mobilitysome other form. Together, lets nd better symptoms in MS, or whether music improvesdays for all those affected by MS. 5 msfocusmagazine.org'