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

  1. 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.
  2. National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Multiple Sclerosis: Just the Facts. Available at: http://www.nationalmssociety.org/NationalMSSociety/media/MSNationalFiles/Brochures/Brochure-Just-the-Facts.pdf.
  3. Multiplesclerosis.net. MS Statistics. Available at: http://multiplesclerosis.net/what-is-ms/statistics/.
  4. Multiple Sclerosis Foundation. Learn About Multiple Sclerosis. Available at: http://www.msfocus.org/who-gets-multiple-sclerosis.aspx.