Facts About MS*
- More than 400,000 people in the United States have MS.
- An estimated 2,500,000 around the world have MS.
- About 45 percent of the people with MS are not severely affected by the disease.
- Diagnosis of MS is usually between 20 and 40 years of age.
- MS affects more women than men, with a ratio of 2:1.
- About 85 percent of those who are newly diagnosed have the relapsing-remitting form of MS.
- Without disease-modifying therapy, about 50 percent of those diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS will become progressive at 10 years.
- Without disease-modifying therapy, about one-third of those diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS will be using a wheelchair at 20 years.
- MS does not significantly affect life span.
- The course of the disease is unpredictable and no two people will experience the same set of symptoms.
- There are four types of MS: relapsing-remitting, secondary-progressive, primary progressive and progressive relapsing.
- Among young adults, MS is the most common disease of the central nervous system.
- Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of MS.
- MS is not contagious.
- MS is a progressive disease for which there is not yet a cure.
- Increased understanding of MS has led to the development of many new treatments that target both the disease process and its many symptoms.
- In countries further from the equator, the incidence of MS increases.
- Sclerosis is a Greek word meaning hardening of tissue or scars.
- MS is not inherited or genetically transmitted, although there does seem to be some genetic susceptibility to the disease.
Our local MS group, Texas Treasures, celebrated its 30th Anniversary this year!
*http://www.msfocus.org/Facts-About-MS.aspx