Epidemiology
- MS affects roughly 2.5 million adults worldwide and 400,000 patients in the US, with initiation mostly commonly in the prime of youth.1,2
- In the US, there are approximately 10,000 new cases every year (200 per week).3,4
- Two to three times more women than men are diagnosed with MS.2
- MS occurs in most ethnic groups, including African-Americans, Asians and Hispanics. It occurs most frequently in Caucasians of northern European ancestry.2
- MS is more common the further from the equator you go. In the US, it is more common in Northern states than Southern states.3,4
- Most people are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, though an estimated 8,000–10,000 children under the age of 18 also live with MS.2
- Compared with years ago, an increasing number of people are being diagnosed with MS. It remains unknown whether this increase is attributed to: (1) a rise in MS incidence, (2) increased awareness of MS, (3) better diagnostic tools, and/or (4) population growth.3
- The possibility does exist that MS is increasing; this may or may not be linked to exposure to environmental factors; viruses, bacteria, or toxins; changes in lifestyle; or other unknown factors.3
- Genetic factors may make certain individuals more susceptible to MS, but there is no evidence that MS is directly inherited.2
References
- Damal K, Stoker E, Foley JF. Optimizing therapeutics in the management of patients with multiple sclerosis: a review of drug efficacy, dosing, and mechanisms of action. Biologics. 2013;7:247-258.
- National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Multiple Sclerosis: Just the Facts. Available at: http://www.nationalmssociety.org/NationalMSSociety/media/MSNationalFiles/Brochures/Brochure-Just-the-Facts.pdf.
- Multiplesclerosis.net. MS Statistics. Available at: http://multiplesclerosis.net/what-is-ms/statistics/.
- Multiple Sclerosis Foundation. Learn About Multiple Sclerosis. Available at: http://www.msfocus.org/who-gets-multiple-sclerosis.aspx.