Read on to learn more about MS prevalence worldwide and the current state of MS research.
Prevalence can be expressed in a percentage or number.
An estimated 2.8 million around the world have MSand that number grew from 2.3 million in 2013.
However, there are still gaps in former estimates about how many people have the disease.
For example, certain methods are used to come up with an estimated number of cases.
Diagnosis rates vary based on region, sex, age, and ethnicity.
This factor may also play a role in why certain ethnic groups are more affected by MS than others.
North America is home to the most people with MS, followed by Europe.
In the United States, white Americans are affected by MS more often than people of other racial/ethnic groups.
However, MS also occurs in Black, Hispanic, and Asian Americans.
A persons socioeconomic status has also been linked to MS disease progression.
As the disease progresses, so does a person’s need for health care.
That leaves 7.7% of people with the disease being uninsured.
Annually, the out-of-pocket costs for people with MS can range from $5,900 to $6,400 a year.
Ongoing research will help more people access treatment that could reduce their symptoms and help prevent disability.
National Multiple Sclerosis Society.How Many People Live With MS?.
Multiple Sclerosis International Federation.Atlas of MS 3rd Edition.
Multiple Sclerosis Association of America.Who Gets Multiple Sclerosis?Updated February 26, 2020.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Multiple Sclerosis: Hope Through Research.
Updated March 25, 2021.
