Hackensack, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/08/2015 -- Of the 2.3 million people with MS worldwide, at some point in their lives, over 50% may face the challenges of progressive MS. Addressing their needs is important as there are virtually no treatment options and progression is the main determinant of disability in MS and carries the greatest economic burden.

Alan Thompson, MD, FRCP, University College London (UCL), will address "Overcoming the Challenge of Progressive MS," on Saturday, May 30th at 8:00 a.m., during the Donald Paty Memorial Lecture at the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) Annual Meeting, May 27-30, 2015 in Indianapolis, IN. The 29th Annual CMSC Meeting is the only event in North America that provides health care professionals, from a wide range of disciplines, with the latest information, treatment advancements, and research in multiple sclerosis.

Currently Dean of the UCL Faculty of Brain Sciences, and Program Director for Neurological Disorders, UCL Partners Academic Health Science Centre, one of Dr. Thompson's principal research areas is Progressive MS and the understanding of the pathological mechanisms that result in neurological disability and recovery. "The challenges for developing an effective treatment for Progressive MS are numerous," according to Dr. Thompson, "and during my lecture, I will help define the diagnosis and underlining symptoms, discuss current trial medicines and some opportunities for the future."

Dr. Thompson will also discuss the mission of the International Progressive MS Alliance, an organization that has united MS Societies and clinical academics worldwide and encourages them to focus on and overcome the barriers delaying the much-needed research for Progressive MS.

Dr. Thompson's lecture culminates four days of a diverse and intense agenda that includes lectures, workshops, symposia, roundtables, panel discussions and poster and platform presentations. Throughout the entire conference, nine learning tracks cover basic science; psychosocial: cognitive, depression; disease management; symptom management; nursing; rehabilitation; comprehensive care; research; and skills development.

The CMSC Annual Meeting offers conference delegates continuing education credits for physicians, nurses, pharmacists, social workers and occupational therapists. Credits for psychologists are pending approval by APA. Several independently supported satellite programs will also offer additional accredited learning opportunities in multiple sclerosis.

The all-inclusive registration fee for the CMSC Annual Meeting includes access to the entire conference program, exhibits, organized meals, networking forums and most social events. There is a discounted rate for the CMSC Members and advance online registrations receive a discounted rate. Medical students and interns can receive a special student rate.

For more information and to register (including select scholarship opportunities) call 201-487-1050 or visit: http://www.mscare.org/2015

About Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Center
CMSC, the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers, is the leading educational, training, and networking organization for MS healthcare professionals and researchers. The CMSC mission is to promote quality MS care through educational programming and accreditation including live and online events, research grants, technical journals and papers, and targeted advocacy efforts. The CMSC member network includes more than 7,000 international healthcare clinicians and scientists committed to MS care as well as more than 60 Veterans Administration MS Programs and 225 MS Centers in the US, Canada, and Europe. The 2015 CMSC Annual Meeting will take place May 27-30, in Indianapolis, Indiana. For more information go to www.mscare.org