Overview of Multiple Sclerosis - MS Statistics

The National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society reports that in the United States today, there are approximately 400,000 people with multiple sclerosis—with 200 more people diagnosed every week.

Worldwide, MS is thought to affect more than 2.1 million people.

Management of multiple sclerosis and its symptoms can be made easier when everyone involved learns as much about the disease as possible.

Multiple sclerosis is a very unpredictable disease, which can present many challenges, including the possibility of facing increasing limitations.

The cause of MS is unknown. It is not contagious or shown to  be directly inherited, but factors that may play a role include:

• Gender: Women are affected more than twice as often as men. 
• Age: Most people are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50. 
• Ethnic background: Caucasians are at a higher risk.
• Geography: In the United States:
  • above the 37th parallel prevalence rate is 100–150/100,000
  • Below the 37th parallel prevalence rate is 57–78/100,000
  • Most people with MS live in temperate climates. In general, the closer to the equator one lives, the less risk he/she has of acquiring MS.

The good news is with various adjustments made along the way, most individuals with MS may look forward to a fulfilling and productive lifetime.  This month as we focus on understanding and caring for MS you can expect articles on the causes, symptoms, and warning signs of multiple sclerosis, as well as information about modifying your home to accommodate MS, how MS is diagnosed and medications used to manage MS. 

For more information about how in home care can help you care for a loved one with MS, download and print our free information packet including home care rates.  Sometimes a caring companion can make all the difference in helping with daily living and household duties.