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Incidence of MS increasing

I've been wondering if the incidence of MS is increasing or if it is (a) just more public figures coming forward and/or (b) better diagnostics.

Turns out it really is increasing.

"The incidence of MS has doubled in women, most pronounced with late onset..."

That's me. My first neurologist told me it couldn't be MS due to my age (64 at the time).

https://www.neurology.org/doi/10.1212/WNL.0000000000005612#:~:text=With%20this%20national%20long%2Dterm,only%20moderately%20increased%20in%20men.

  1. MS prevalence has increased in every world region since 2013 but gaps in prevalence estimates persist.

    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7720355/

    1. It’s understandable to have questions about the trends in MS, especially when it affects you personally. It’s a bit unsettling to learn that the incidence of MS is indeed rising, particularly among women with late onset. It must have been frustrating to hear from your first neurologist that age was a factor in diagnosing MS, only to later find that it can occur at any age. It’s good that you’re now aware of these trends, and I hope you’re getting the support and treatment you need. If there’s anything specific you’d like to discuss or if you need any resources, feel free to reach out! Kindly, Latoya (Team Member)

      1. I think this is interesting (and kind of scary), .

        I would be interested to learn why this increase in diagnoses is occuring, but I suppose we will have to wait as more data comes out and research is done.

        Best, Erin, Team Member.

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