Quote: Lauran Neergaard, The Associated Press, January 14, 2022, regarding EBV ‘the new study is “the strongest evidence to date that Epstein-Barr contributes to cause MS,” said Mark Allegretta, vice-president for research at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Saying Epstein Barr Virus ‘contributes to’ suggests it is a significant ‘risk factor’.
Herpes Virus 4 (EBV) (Mono) weakens the immune system and is linked to certain cancers.
Vitamin D: Funded studies examined Vitamin D as the cause of MS but never confirmed a link. Although my M.D. friend in N.H. disagrees with me, it is just another ‘risk factor’.
Genetics: MS is not ‘inherited’. Are Gene ‘Variants’ (chromosome markers) a risk factor? My ‘social sampling’ shows, more than one family member can develop MS. Does this mean the cause is a Gene ‘Variant’, or exposure to the same pathogen? After a 7-year Review of MS Literature I found no valid research proving a genetic link to MS.
Side note – Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s are explained away as ‘genetic’. There is no proof! Saskatchewan needs studies into the cause of these heartbreaking diseases.
Epidemiology and Social Sampling: I’ve been criticised for using Anecdotal Information, collected from 29 People with MS. The process is called ‘Social Sampling’ and plays a major role in Epidemiology. (We should be ‘social sampling’ Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s in Saskatchewan? Maybe we’d learn something valuable.)
I continue to defend the 1977 Cook and Dowling Hypothesis; “Canine Distemper virus, a Morbillivirus, like Measles, plays a major role in the etiology of Multiple Sclerosis.”
PCR testing was perfected 25 years ago. The Cook and Dowling hypothesis has never been tested. PCR testing can be done at the Roy Romanow Provincial Lab in Regina. Why won’t medical science Test the Hypothesis and at least eliminate it as a Cause?
I am motivated by constructive criticism. Occasionally the odd professional doesn’t think an old retired school teacher should question authority, ancient assumptions or traditions. Wrong.
I spent 28 years encouraging students to stand up to bullies – challenge authority – question the system – question results – to never blindly follow – to eliminate the obvious – to look for new ways – to wonder why and ask why not. I received the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award for my work. I am not going to change.
Richard Dowson
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
