RIVERVIEW REGISTER· MARCH 11 - APRIL 7 2026 • Page 15
March marks MS Awareness Month
Specialized, comprehensive care now available in Downriver arch is Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness of a complex neurological disease that affects nearly one million people in the United States. The Multiple Sclerosis Center at the Michigan Institute for Neurological Disorders (MIND) is recognized as a Center for Comprehensive MS Care by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and has expanded its reach with a new Downriver location. The Riverview office is staffed by a multidisciplinary team, including an MS fellowship-trained neurologist and advanced practice providers, who specialize in caring for individuals with multiple sclerosis and other complex neurological conditions. Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease of the central nervous system that affects the brain and spinal cord. Early symptoms may include fatigue, numbness or tingling, balance difficulties, vision changes, weakness, and cognitive challenges. Because MS presents differently in each person, early evaluation by a neurologist is essential for accurate diagnosis and timely treatment. Today's treatment strategies focus not only on reducing relapses and new MRI activity but also on slowing disease progression and improving
long-term outcomes. Comprehensive care includes proactive symptom management, rehabilitation support, and patient education - helping individuals with MS maintain independence and quality oflife. During MS Awareness Month, MIND remains committed to advancing care, expanding access, and supporting patients and families throughout their journey. Possible early signs of MS may include persistent fatigue, numbness or tingling, balance or coordination problems, vision changes, weakness in an ann or leg, and cognitive changes Dr. Jonathan Doty, a board-certified, fellowship-trained neurologist specializing in MS care, was born and raised in Downriver and practices at MIND Riverview. He is part of the MIND MS Center, headquartered in Farmington Hills, which cares for more than 5,500 MS patients annually. The program is led by Dr. Martin Belkin, Medical Director of the MIND MS Center, who has extensive experience in MS clinical trials and research. Care for MS usually requires more than a single appointment with a clinician. Patients are monitored over time through thorough neurological examinations, imaging, and continuous assessments of symptoms and disease activity. Treatment plans might include disease-modifying therapies, rehabilitation coordination, support for
MIN D's Infusion Center provides advanced infusion therapies for patients with multiple sclerosis, delivering specialized treatments in a comfortable, medically supervised setting.
Dr. Jonathan Doty, neurologist and fellowship-trained MS specialist; Angela Brennan, nurse practitioner; Dr. Jake Katzman, neurologist; and Dr. Daniel Singer, neurologist, are part of the multidisciplinary care team at MIN D's Riverview Center.
cognitive or fatigue-related issues, and education on wellness and lifestyle. The goal is long-term disease management - maintaining mobility, independence, and quality of life while improving treatment options through research and comprehensive, patientcentered care. Specialized MS care may include comprehensive neurological exams and advanced MRI imaging to monitor disease progression and guide treatment decisions. Care often involves disease-modifying therapies tailored through precision medicine and biomarker analysis, along with personalized symptom management strategies. Patients may also receive coordinated rehabilitation services, education on holistic health and wellness, and access to clinical research opportunities aimed at advancing treatment and improving outcomes. "As someone who grew up in Downriver, it's meaningful to provide specialized MS care close to home," said Dr. Jonathan Doty. "MS affects everyone differently, which is why early evaluation, consistent follow-up, and individualized treatment planning can make a difference in how patients manage the condition throughout their lives." Patients at the MIND Riverview location receive comprehensive clinical care and infusion therapy locally.
Advanced MRI imaging and other specialized neurological services are available at MIND's Farmington Hills location, providing patients with access to the full range of diagnostic and therapeutic resources. In addition to delivering expert clinical care, MIND neurologists actively participate in MS research, helping translate emerging scientific insights into practical, evidence-based treatments for patients. MIND underscores the importance of early diagnosis, access to experienced MS specialists, consistent follow-up, and coordinated multidisciplinary care. These elements can significantly influence long-term outcomes and quality of life for individuals living with multiple sclerosis - including those in the Downriver community. More information about MS and neurological care at MIND's Riverview office is available at mindonline.com/ riverview-center/ or call (248) 5530010.
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