The MS population is ageing [1]
In western countries, more than half of MS patients are now 45 years of age or older [2-4]. The rise in age seems to be mainly driven by declining mortality as the incidence of MS appears relatively stable [5]. MS is also more likely to be diagnosed in patients of a higher age today than in years gone by, as demonstrated in a recent population-based study in Norway [6]. The age of MS onset was found to have steadily increased, with a quarter of patients receiving their diagnosis at the age of 50 years or older [6].
A study from Bavaria, Germany exemplifies the trends in MS prevalence by age (see below) [2].
Trends in MS prevalence and incidence in people living in Bavaria, Germany
In this study, health administrative data from more than 10 million people living in Bavaria, Germany, were analyzed [2]. From 2006 to 2015, the MS prevalence increased from 171 to 277 per 100,000, while incidence rates remained relatively stable (range 16-18 per 100,000). A substantial increase in prevalence was observed in those between 40 and 60 years of age. In 2015, 60% of the people with MS were at least 45 years of age or older [2].
MS prevalence per 100,000 in Bavaria, Germany stratified by age groups in 2006 and 2015 [2]
Prof. Anthony Reder
Ageing in MS: Neuroimmunological aspects
Prof. Gereon Nelles
MS in the middle-life or older patient in clinical practice
Prof. Gereon Nelles
MS in the middle-life or older patient in clinical practice
References
- Vaughn CB et al. Nat Rev Neurol 2019; 15(6): 329-42. Return to content
- Daltrozzo T et al. Front Neurol 2018; 9: 871. Return to content
- UK Government. MS data briefing, February 2020. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/multiple-sclerosis-prevalenceincidence-and-smoking-status. Return to content
- Wallin MT et al. Neurology 2019; 92(10): e1029-40. Return to content
- Rotstein DL et al. Neurology 2018; 90(16): e1435-41. Return to content
- Smith Simonsen C et al. J Neurol 2021; 268(4): 1330-41. Return to content
