The Educated Patient Podcast: Father and Son Discuss Progress, Hope and Life With Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex neurological condition that affects each person differently. On a recent episode of The Educated Patient Podcast, host Mike DeMarco spoke with neurologist Mark Leekoff, M.D., site director of the Atlantic Medical Group Multiple Sclerosis Comprehensive Care Center in Bridgewater, New Jersey, alongside his father, David, a retired dentist living with MS. Together, they offered a rare dual perspective: one as a specialist treating the disease and the other as someone navigating life with it.

Dr. Leekoff shared that his father’s diagnosis in the early 2000s played a major role in shaping his career path. At the time, treatment options for MS were limited, and concerns about disability were common. Today, however, the MS treatment landscape has changed dramatically. Modern disease-modifying therapies can slow or even halt disease progression when started early, allowing many patients to maintain independence and quality of life.

MS occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves, damaging the protective myelin sheath that helps nerve signals travel efficiently. This can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, numbness, mobility challenges and cognitive changes. Dr. Leekoff emphasized that while MS remains a lifelong condition, newer therapies have transformed it into a more manageable chronic disease for many patients.

David described his own journey with MS, which began decades ago with fatigue, mobility changes and unusual neurological symptoms that eventually led to his diagnosis. He acknowledged the uncertainty that followed but credits stress management, exercise and maintaining a positive mindset as key factors in helping him live well with the disease. Regular walking, staying active and focusing on overall wellness have supported both his physical and mental health.

The conversation also highlighted the importance of individualized care. Dr. Leekoff explained that modern MS treatment focuses not only on preventing relapses but also on managing symptoms that impact daily life, including fatigue, mood changes and mobility concerns. Comprehensive care teams often collaborate across specialties to help patients maintain independence and function.

Looking ahead, Dr. Leekoff expressed optimism about emerging therapies, including medications that may help treat progressive MS and research into remyelination strategies designed to repair damaged nerve fibers. While these approaches are still being studied, they offer hope for further improving long-term outcomes.

Both father and son stressed that MS does not define a person. With proper medical care, lifestyle support and strong care partnerships, many people with MS can continue leading active, fulfilling lives.