Different MS Types and What They Mean for Long-Term Risk

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Key Takeaway

Over the long term, relapsing-onset MS and primary progressive MS carry similar extra death risk compared with the general population, but secondary progressive MS shows a clearly higher risk.

What They Found

The researchers looked at a nationwide group of people in Denmark with MS from 1994–2022 and compared death rates to similar people without MS.They grouped patients by MS type: primary progressive (PPMS), relapsing-onset (ROMS), and secondary progressive (SPMS).After adjusting for age, sex, treatment, and relapses, PPMS and ROMS showed about the same extra risk of dying compared to the general population — meaning long-term risk was similar for these two groups.People with SPMS had a clearly higher risk of death than those with PPMS, roughly six times higher in relative terms and nearly two more deaths per 100 people in excess (after adjustments).The higher risk in SPMS likely comes from the added health burden carried over from earlier disease activity and suggests the need for careful care and treatment in the progressive stage.

Who Should Care and Why

People living with MS should care because the type of MS can affect long-term health planning and what kind of care or monitoring might be most important.Caregivers and family members should know that people in the secondary progressive stage may need more medical attention and support, like managing other health problems (comorbidities).Healthcare providers can use this information to focus more on treatments and checks for people moving into or already in the SPMS stage, similar to stepping up care when a car shows new warning lights.Patients with relapsing-onset MS or primary progressive MS can be reassured that, on average, their long-term extra mortality risk is similar when other factors are accounted for, but individual risks can still vary.This finding may affect daily routines — for example, families and care teams might prioritize stronger monitoring, rehabilitation, or treatment changes when someone enters the secondary progressive phase.

Important Considerations

This study used Danish national data, so results may differ in other countries with different healthcare systems or populations; that matters because access to care changes outcomes.The study adjusted for some factors like treatment and relapses, but not every personal health detail (like lifestyle or specific other illnesses), so individual risk may be higher or lower.Because this is observational research, it shows patterns and links but cannot prove one thing directly causes the other — think of it as a strong hint rather than a guaranteed rule.

AI-generated summary — for informational purposes only, not medical advice

Categories:

MS Progression Living with MS MS Diagnostics

Article Topics:

multiple sclerosis excess mortalityprimary progressive multiple sclerosisrelapsing onset multiple sclerosissecondary progressive multiple sclerosis

Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or are seeking to broaden your understanding of this complex, neurodegenerative disease, navigating the latest research can feel overwhelming. Studies published in respected medical journals like European journal of neurology often range from early-stage, exploratory work to advanced clinical trials. These evidence-based findings help shape new disease-modifying therapies, guide symptom management techniques, and deepen our knowledge of MS progression.

However, not all research is created equal. Some clinical research studies may have smaller sample sizes, evolving methodologies, or limitations that warrant careful interpretation. For a more comprehensive, accurate understanding, we recommend reviewing the original source material—accessible via the More Details section above—and consulting with healthcare professionals who specialize in MS care.

By presenting a wide range of MS-focused studies—spanning cutting-edge treatments, emerging therapies, and established best practices—we aim to empower patients, caregivers, and clinicians to stay informed and make well-informed decisions when managing Multiple Sclerosis.

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