ME Research UK explores ME/CFS prevalence
Determining the prevalence of ME/CFS is not straightforward – with prevalence figures confounded by differing disease definitions, data collection methods, and even when and where a study was carried out. In a series of articles, ME Research UK has examined exactly what is meant by prevalence, what figures over the years have been suggested, and the limitations of these studies.
PoTS Awareness Day
ME Research UK marked PoTS Awareness Day (25 October) which aims to raise awareness about postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (PoTS), an under-recognised and debilitating condition. ME/CFS is associated with various conditions, amongst which PoTS stands out due to its significant symptom overlap. Whilst there are numerous commonalities, there are also key differences between the two, particularly in management approaches.
Maeve Boothby O’Neill – Prevention of Future Deaths Report
The assistant coroner who heard evidence on the death of Maeve Boothby O’Neill has issued a prevention of future deaths report. Such reports are issued to a person, organisation, local authority or government department or agency where the coroner believes that action should be taken to prevent future deaths. The inquest heard that provision of care for patients with severe ME was, and is, non-existent and that being placed on a ward that did not have expertise in Maeve’s condition made her admission to hospital very difficult for her to endure.
Research article – TRPM3 Dysfunction and LDN
TRPM3 is an ion channel that is crucial for many physiological processes. A recent review explored TRPM3 dysfunction in ME/CFS and the potential clinical benefits of the drug – low-dose naltrexone (LDN).
Breakthrough Magazine – Autumn 2024
The Autumn 2024 issue of Breakthrough magazine is now available online. This issue includes a look at two newly funded research projects on microclots and neurocognitive impairment, an article from Cort Johnson on severe ME/CFS, an interview with Tina Katsaros from La Trobe University, and much more. To subscribe to future print issues free of charge, sign up to receive updates via post.
Take part in the Brighton Marathon for ME Research UK
The Brighton Marathon is one of the UK’s most iconic and scenic races. Next year’s event is sold out for individual entries and so the only way to enter is via a charity place – and ME Research UK has three guaranteed entries for the 6th April 2025 event.
Contact us if you wish to take one of our places. All we ask is that you aim to raise at least £500 in donations for ME Research UK.
The Big Give
ME Research UK is pleased to announce that we have attracted a Charity Champion in The Big Give Trust who will match fund up to £14,100 of donations made to ME Research UK during this year’s Big Give Christmas Challenge (3rd to 10th December 2024).
To unlock the Champion funds of £14,100, ME Research UK needs to exhaust Pledgers’ funds first – in other words £28,200 needs to be donated to us during the 3rd to 10th December event to unlock both Pledger and Champion funds – it is a big ask – all funds being invested in ME research.
Christmas Cards
Our collection of Christmas cards for 2024 is now available to buy online or to order via post or phone. There are nine designs this year, with another three designs available exclusively in our online shop (while stocks last). This is a great way to help support ME Research UK, and to raise awareness of ME/CFS among your family and friends, so please do have a look at the cards on offer.
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.
