Mij
Senior Member (Voting Rights)
l'Université de Montréal
April 21, 2026
UdeM’s Alain Moreau is working to shed light on the mystery of myalgic encephalomyelitis, a debilitating disease that is receiving renewed attention in the wake of COVID-19.
Cluster of interconnected symptoms
ME affects many body systems and produces a wide range of symptoms, including muscle pain and weakness, cognitive difficulties (often described as “brain fog”), autonomic disorders such as digestive problems, postural hypotension and sleep disturbances.
But the defining symptom of ME is post-exertional malaise, a state in which minor exertion—physical, mental or emotional—precipitates a significant worsening of symptoms that can last for hours, days or even weeks.
One of the greatest challenges in studying ME is the heterogeneity of triggers, symptom clusters and disease progression.
“ME is not a single disease but rather a spectrum comprising several subgroups,” said Moreau.
“Accurate diagnosis is difficult because ME and fibromyalgia present with very similar symptoms that can fluctuate over time. Our molecular analyses have shown that up to 40 per cent of individuals diagnosed with ME are in fact suffering from fibromyalgia—and it’s possible to have both conditions at the same time.”
April 21, 2026
UdeM’s Alain Moreau is working to shed light on the mystery of myalgic encephalomyelitis, a debilitating disease that is receiving renewed attention in the wake of COVID-19.
Cluster of interconnected symptoms
ME affects many body systems and produces a wide range of symptoms, including muscle pain and weakness, cognitive difficulties (often described as “brain fog”), autonomic disorders such as digestive problems, postural hypotension and sleep disturbances.
But the defining symptom of ME is post-exertional malaise, a state in which minor exertion—physical, mental or emotional—precipitates a significant worsening of symptoms that can last for hours, days or even weeks.
One of the greatest challenges in studying ME is the heterogeneity of triggers, symptom clusters and disease progression.
“ME is not a single disease but rather a spectrum comprising several subgroups,” said Moreau.
“Accurate diagnosis is difficult because ME and fibromyalgia present with very similar symptoms that can fluctuate over time. Our molecular analyses have shown that up to 40 per cent of individuals diagnosed with ME are in fact suffering from fibromyalgia—and it’s possible to have both conditions at the same time.”