Growing MS Diagnosis in Older Adults: What You Need to Know

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Key Takeaway

More older adults are being diagnosed with MS, and many are using treatments to help manage their symptoms.

What They Found

The number of older adults with multiple sclerosis (MS) has grown by over 15% from 2011 to 2021. This means more people aged 65 and older are living with MS now than before. Most of these patients are women and mostly White. More than half of these older adults are taking special medicines called disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), which help slow down the disease. The most common DMTs used are interferon-beta and glatiramer acetate, which work like a shield to protect the nerves.

Who Should Care and Why

Older adults with MS and their caregivers should pay attention to these findings because they show that MS is becoming more common in their age group. This suggests that healthcare providers need to offer better support for older patients with MS. If you or someone you care for is managing MS, knowing that treatments are being used can provide hope and options. The growth in DMT use means there are more ways to help control the symptoms of MS as people age. Overall, this could lead to a better quality of life for many older individuals living with this condition.

Important Considerations

The study only looked at data from Medicare, which means it might not represent all older adults with MS in the country. Also, the study focused on a specific time period, so future trends may be different. It's important for patients and caregivers to remember that while these findings are encouraging, everyone's experience with MS is unique.

Categories:

Living with MS Treatment Updates Clinical Trials

Article Topics:

Multiple sclerosisdisease-modifying therapyepidemiologyolder adults

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 Multiple sclerosis (Houndmills, Basingstoke, England) 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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