MS and Faster Biological Aging: What It Means for You

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Key Takeaway

People with MS showed signs of being biologically older than their actual age, and that faster aging was linked to social disadvantage in their neighborhoods.

What They Found

Researchers used a blood-based “metabolomic” clock (a test that looks at small molecules in blood) to estimate biological age and compared it to actual age. People with MS had higher biological age than healthy people — on average about 5 to 10 years older by this test. People with MS not yet on disease-modifying therapy also showed higher biological age, though the difference was smaller. Over time, people with MS’ biological age increased faster than healthy people, meaning their bodies aged quicker in ways this test can detect. Living in more disadvantaged neighborhoods (measured by an area deprivation score) was linked to a small increase in biological age for people with MS — similar to how stress or fewer resources might speed wear-and-tear on the body.

Who Should Care and Why

People with MS and their caregivers should care because the study suggests MS is associated with faster biological aging, which could relate to symptoms getting worse or more medical needs over time. Healthcare providers may use this idea to watch for age-related changes earlier in people with MS, like thinking ahead about bone health, heart health, or thinking speed. Caregivers and patients can see social factors (like income, housing, neighborhood services) as part of health — if you live in a harder-to-access area, it might add to the body’s stress and aging. This means practical steps such as improving access to care, stress reduction, better sleep, and healthy lifestyle choices could matter more for people with MS. Community programs and policy changes that improve neighborhood resources may help reduce this extra aging burden for people with MS.

Important Considerations

The study used a blood test that gives an estimate of biological age, but this test is not a definitive measure of overall health and is still being researched. The link between neighborhood disadvantage and faster biological aging is small and does not prove that the neighborhood alone causes faster aging — other unmeasured factors could play a role. These findings do not change MS treatment on their own but highlight areas (like social support and lifestyle) where patients and caregivers might focus to help reduce long-term risks.

Categories:

Early Research MS Progression Nutrition

Article Topics:

Multiple sclerosisarea deprivation indexbiological agemetabolomic agesocial determinants of health

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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