Who gets Multiple Sclerosis?
Who gets Multiple Sclerosis?
Scientists have identified varying factors that aid in the distribution of MS: gender, genetics, age, geography, and ethnic background.
Ages: Most individuals are diagnosed between 20 and 50 years of age, but outliers can occur.
Geography: MS has been known to be more common in areas farthest from the equator than those living in hotter areas near the equator. Individuals living beyond the 40-degree mark north or south of the equator are more likely to develop MS. However, this can differ greatly among groups within the same area regardless of location from the equator.
Gender: The prevalence of MS is three times more common in women than men. Scientists suggest that hormones play a role in the development of MS.
Ethic background: Research shows that MS occurs in most ethic groups, but is the most common among Caucasian or northern European ancestry.