Relatives at Higher Risk: Preventing MS Before Symptoms

Credibility

Interest

Key Takeaway

People who have a close relative with MS are at much higher risk themselves, and many are willing to join trials that try to prevent MS before symptoms start.

What They Found

The study followed nearly 1,900 people who had a parent, sibling, or child with MS for about 11 years. Eighteen of those who did not have MS at the start later developed the disease, showing a much higher risk than the general public. A combined score of genes and environment (GERS) was higher in people who already had MS, suggesting it can help identify higher-risk individuals. The estimated annual rate of new MS in these relatives was about 211 cases per 100,000 people, roughly 100 times higher than in people with no family history. Almost half of the people without symptoms said they'd join a prevention trial, and that rose to 75% if a blood test showed they had a 20% chance of getting MS.

Who Should Care and Why

MS patients and their family members should care because these results show relatives are at much higher risk and could be offered earlier monitoring or prevention studies — like checking a smoke detector more often if you live in a house with a history of fires. Caregivers should know relatives may be anxious about their future health but many would consider preventive options if risk is explained clearly. Doctors and clinics that follow families of people with MS can use risk tools and interest levels from this study to plan screening and offer trial information. Researchers and trial designers can use these findings to recruit the right people and set realistic goals for prevention studies. For daily life, this means relatives might be offered blood tests or lifestyle advice earlier to try to lower their chance of developing MS.

Important Considerations

The study looked only at first-degree relatives of people with MS, so results don’t apply to the general population. The number of people who actually developed MS during the study was small (18), which makes precise predictions harder. Also, the willingness to join prevention trials was based on survey scenarios, not real enrollment, so actual participation might be lower.

Categories:

Clinical Trials MS Progression Living with MS

Article Topics:

genetic risk scoremultiple sclerosisprimary prevention trial

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 Annals of clinical and translational 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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