Curing MS – 
How Science is Solving
the Mysteries of Multiple Sclerosis

by Howard L. Weiner, M.D.

Crown Publishers 2004

301 pages

Available for $11.21 at Amazon (see link below)

Reviewed by LizOP
MSWorld Book Reviewer

This book is written like a novel – not a resource book – which makes it rather unique in the list of books written on MS in the last years. Weiner writes about how scientists are working to unlock the mysteries of MS.

He states

"A mathematical equation such as 2 + X = 4 is easy to solve; there is only one unknown. An equation in biology, A + B + C + unknown variables = X, is far more difficult.

"The multiple sclerosis equation looks like this: Multiple sclerosis = virus + immune system + genetics + environment + gender + geography + age + unknown variables."

He goes on to discuss each variable to "see how they fit into the ultimate solution."

Since most people reading this review probably have MS, this book is an interesting way to tackle the subject. It is written well with interesting facts which were new to me, such as learning that in 1978-1979, Jonas Salk, founder of the polio vaccine, worked on a vaccine for MS. His MS vaccine was approved by the FDA and the clinical trials on humans began and eventually failed.

Weiner writes in his book about Salk's efforts:

"There is a deep-seated human desire for things to be simple, for there to be clear answers. Buy a new car and get the girl. Don't eat carbohydrates and lose weight. This is what is so appealing about the polio story: take a vaccine and no more polio. Unfortunately, neither life nor science is black and white."

This is not a book to read fast, but to read, think and ponder, and read some more.

It is well written and clear, without too much technical jargon. I recommend this book without hesitation.



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