Multiple Sclerosis: Statistics, Facts, & Insights

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that harms the central nervous system by damaging the protective sheaths around the nerve fibers, which are called “myelin.” Once that protection is compromised, the nerve fibers themselves can also be damaged.  

MS symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe, and may include numbness, weakness, tingling, pains similar to electric shocks, difficulties walking, vision problems, vertigo, fatigue, cognitive and mood issues, slurred speech, bladder problems, bowel issues, and sexual function problems. 

MS can sometimes go into periods of remission. But it can also progress. While there are ways to manage MS, at present, there is no cure. 

If you are concerned about MS, you probably have questions about the prevalence of this disease. Let’s take a look at some key statistics. 

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society states that collectively, MS organizations estimate that about 2.3 million people around the globe have MS.

The MS International Federation provides a worldwide Atlas of MS with a breakdown of MS statistics by country. Here are some of the countries with the highest prevalence of people estimated to have MS:

• Denmark: 17,747 (301 people per 100,000)
• Germany: 280,000 (300 people per 100,000)
• Canada: 90,000 (290 people per 100,000)
• United States: 913,925 (288 people per 100,000)
• Norway: 13,765 (255 people per 100,000)
• Finland: 12,167 (219 people per 100,000)
• Sweden: 22,209 (215 people per 100,000)
• Italy: 133,000 (215 people per 100,000)
• Iceland: 720 (212 people per 100,000)

Why are prevalence rates so much higher in these countries than many others? Some factors may include genetics, diet and lifestyle, obesity, infections and vitamin D exposure.

Diagnosis rates for MS have increased over the past decades, but this is likely due to better access to care and technology, rather than the disease itself increasing in prevalence.

How many cases of MS are diagnosed every year in the US? According to the American Brain Foundation, there are around 10,000 new diagnoses of this disease in the US every year. Currently, more than 1 million US adults have MS.

Who Gets Multiple Sclerosis?

Sex

This is a disease that disproportionately affects women. Johns Hopkins Medicine reports that women develop this disease at four times the rate of men.

As we will discuss shortly, diagnoses of MS are most common between the ages of 15 and 50. Not only that, but MS rates vary less between boys and girls than they do between adolescent and adult men and women. This suggests that hormones may play a role, particularly since new MS diagnoses are less likely after menopause.

Ethnicity

MS occurs at higher rates in some ethnic groups than others. The University of Maryland School of Medicine reports the following stats:

• 4 in 1,000 White people
• 3 in 1,000 Black people
• 2 in 1,000 people in Asian, Native American, Alaska native and multi-ethnic people
• 1.5 in 1,000 Hispanic/Latinx people

Age of onset

Around 90% of the time, patients with MS first notice symptoms between the ages of 15 and 50. Past the age of 60, it is fairly rare to develop MS; only 1% of cases first show symptoms after this age. It is also relatively uncommon for MS to present in younger patients; only an estimated 2-5% of MS patients show symptoms before the age of 18. Only 1% first show symptoms before age 11.

We have already discussed certain risk factors for MS through the statistics we just shared. Let’s dive a little deeper into this topic.

Genetics

The MS Society says that more than 200 genes can play a role in the development of MS. The society also offers these statistics concerning MS in families:

• If your sibling has MS, there is only a 2.7% chance you will get it.
• If your parent has MS, there is only a 1.5% chance you will get it.

Smoking

Another factor that can increase your risk of MS is smoking. Even exposure to secondary smoke can increase the odds of developing MS. 

Just how much does smoking increase your risk? The MS Society says research indicates that you are up to 50% more likely to develop this disease if you smoke.

It is important to know there are multiple types of MS. Let’s discuss the prevalence of the different types. 

Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS)

RRMS is the diagnosis for 85% of MS patients initially. This type of MS is characterized by alternating periods of relapses of symptoms and remissions. 

Secondary progressive MS (SPMS)

If you are diagnosed with RRMS, you may or may not go on to develop secondary progressive MS. This type of MS also features relapses and stable periods. But unlike RRMS, it is progressive.

The majority of patients with RRMS eventually develop SPMS. This takes 10 years for 25% of patients. By 20 years, half of patients have progressed. By 30 years, 75% of patients have progressed.

Primary progressive MS (PPMS)

About 15% of MS patients have primary progressive MS. This is a form of MS that is progressive from the initial diagnosis. 

Clinically isolated syndrome (CIS)

This is the name given to an isolated flare of symptoms that could be (but is not always) the beginning of MS.

Women are 2-3 times as likely as men to have CIS. The average age for CIS is 30, but 70% of people get it between 20 and 40 years of age. 

Around 70% of patients with CIS will eventually receive a diagnosis of MS.

We have already discussed the overall rate of progression for MS. Around half of patients will progress from RRMS to SPMS within 20 years.

Something else useful to know is that MS attacks are usually separated by 12-18 months during the RRMS stage of the disease. 

Over time, the attack phases become more stubborn, tapering off more gradually or not as fully, until eventually, there are no further remissions. That is the point at which the disease becomes SPMS. 

Some features of the disease appear relatively early. For example, walking issues can strike early on, and affect 75% of MS patients in total.

Average age of onset of MS can vary by ethnicity. For example, Black individuals tend to develop MS both earlier and later than White individuals. Onset is also typically earlier for Hispanic individuals.

To manage MS, patients can work with their healthcare providers to establish a treatment plan. They can also make changes to diet, exercise, and their home environments.

MS can lead to foot drop, a condition that makes it hard to fully lift the front parts of the feet. This can make it difficult to maintain a natural gait while walking. Walking tests are even used to assess the progression of MS.

Thankfully, there are exercises for improving walking. It is even possible to run with MS. Walking aids can help, as can the right shoes for MS.

The Cadense Original Adaptive Shoes for men and women can help you to walk with MS. These shoes feature patented variable friction technology that helps you to “glide” over obstacles even if you are experiencing MS-related foot drop. 

Other advantages of these shoes include their lightweight materials, wide, stable base, secure fit, comfortable cushioning, and excellent support. They are easy to put on and take off, and are very fashionable.