ME Research UK summarises NICE 2021 ME/CFS guideline
Due to inadequate training of healthcare professionals about ME/CFS, those with the disease often face scepticism and dismissive attitudes. The NICE 2021 ME/CFS guideline highlights the impact of the disease and provides recommendations for individualised care. Whilst not a substitute for comprehensive education, adoption of the guidelene in clinical practice could improve the quality of life of individuals with ME/CFS. ME Research UK has summarised key recommendations to help individuals better understand the care they should receive.
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Interview with Tina Katsaros
In a recent interview for autumn’s Breakthrough magazine, Tina Katsaros – a PhD student at La Trobe University in Australia, who is working on research funded by ME Research UK – tells us more about herself, her project, what led her to be involved ME/CFS research, and what she has learned so far. Watch the full interview on our website.
Pictured: Tina Katsaros
World Children’s Day
On November 20th, ME Research UK marked World Children’s Day – UNICEF’s global day of action for children denoting the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. One key aim of the day is to highlight critical issues affecting children’s lives – regrettably, this includes ME/CFS. More research is needed to improve diagnosis, healthcare, education access, and understanding of how puberty influences the risk and symptoms of ME/CFS in young people.
Research articles
A recent study, from researchers in Australia, examined the immune systems of individuals with ME/CFS, and those with long COVID, focused on immune exhaustion – a state in which the immune system becomes less effective over time.
Whilst acknowledging the increasing body of evidence connecting long COVID to ME/CFS, Drs Nuno Sepúlveda and Francisco Westermeier – researchers previously funded by ME Research UK – have written a letter challenging the methodology of a systematic review which concluded that approximately 51% of people with long COVID met ME/CFS diagnostic criteria.
A paper by independent researchers, one of whom has ME/CFS, supports NICE’s conclusion that cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is ineffective for treating ME/CFS. The researchers re-examine a systematic review which claimed that CBT reduces fatigue, functional impairment, and physical limitations. The reanalysis highlights issues with both the review’s methodology and the studies it included.
The Big Give
Thanks to our wonderful Pledgers, and by attracting a Charity Champion, donations to ME Research UK during the Big Give’s Christmas Challenge could be DOUBLED during next month’s event. To unlock all match funding £28,200 must be donated through The Big Give portal from 3rd to 10th December 2024.
It is a big ask, and we know there are many calls on people’s finances, but all contributions, from £1 upwards, are appreciated as they allow us to put more funds towards biomedical research projects. Links to the giving page will be provided when The Big Give goes live.
Christmas Cards
Our collection of Christmas cards for 2024 is still available to buy online or to order via post or phone. Last date for ordering is next Sunday (8th December) but we have limited stock on our two remaining designs . Order quickly to avoid disappointment!
Help us make the breakthrough
We know that, as a subscriber to our newsletter and someone who is interested in our work, you join us in the belief that only robust scientific research is the key to understanding ME/CFS.
Donations from our valued supporters are vital if we are to continue our work to inform, influence and invest in ME/CFS research globally.