Nanomedicine in Demyelinating Disease Application to Diagnosis and Therapy in Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune, neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS). It is also a leading cause of permanent nontraumatic neurological disability among young adults in the Western hemisphere (Kuhlmann T, Antel J, Free Neuropathol, 9:4–3, 2023). Etiology and pathogenesis of MS are complex. Genetic predisposition and environmental factors are required for the development of the disease. In addition, MS tends to affect females more than males. Recent advances in clinical imaging and better distinction between disease phenotypes might improve clinical management of the disease. In the past decades, several drugs have been developed which ameliorate the course of relapsing–remitting MS. However, the treatment of progressive MS remains a challenge. In this chapter, we will discuss the modern definition of MS, its types, and promising new strategies for diagnosis and treatment of MS. We also explore some obstacles to effective therapeutics and the current role and future of nanomedicine in the management of MS.