Some folks already touched on some of these, but statistically speaking, here's what we know:
AGE: MS usually presents between 20 and 40. 5% of the people with MS were diagnosed before age 21 (Early Onset MS) while 9.4% of those with MS were diagnosed after age 50 (Late Onset MS)
SEX: Women are diagnosed with MS two to three times as often as men.
RACE: Caucasians of northern European descent are the largest ethnic group affected, but people of African, Asian, and Hispanic ethnic groups can also get it. Certain ethnic groups have absolutely no incidence of MS, such as Inuit, Yakutes, Hutterites, Hungarian Romani, Norwegian Lapps, Australian Aborigines, and New Zealand Maoris.
GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION: This was also touched on already, but MS seems to strike people in much greater frequency who live farther away from the equator (generally 40 degrees and higher). This tends to indicate that there is some sort of climactic input in determining who gets MS, but it is not the only factor. Also, migration to or from a particular geographic area tends to alter one's risk of getting MS. Also related is the age at which the migration takes place. Immigrants and their descendants tend to take on the risk level (higher or lower) of the area to which they move. If the move occurs before age 15, that person will see the new risk factor themselves. Moves after age 15 tend to show the risk factor in the next generation.
DISEASE: Scientists believe that there is some sort of exposure to a particular virus or bacteria that also triggers MS. Many viruses have been examined, such as rabies, herpes simplex virus, measles, corona virus, canine distemper virus, HTLV-1, Epstein-Barr virus, among others, but none has yet been confirmed as the trigger. The bacterial agent Chlamydia pneumoniae has also been suggested, but also has not been proven.
GENETICS: While there is no evidence that MS is directly inherited, there is some sort of genetic link as well. From the MS Sourcebook:
"Genetic factors are thought to play a significant role in determining who develops MS. The average person in the United States has about one chance in 750 of developing MS. But close (first-degree) relatives of people with MS, such as children, siblings or non-identical twins, have a higher chance—ranging from one in 100 to one in 40. The identical twin of someone with MS, who shares all the same genes, has a one in four chance of developing the disease. If genes were solely responsible for determining who gets MS, an identical twin of someone with MS would have a 100% chance of developing the disease; the fact that the risk is only 1 in 4 demonstrates that other factors, including geography, ethnicity, and the elusive infectious trigger are likely involved as well."
HTH!
2006-12-11 19:16:08
·
answer #1
·
answered by CJ 4
·
1⤊
0⤋
Multiple sclerosis is among the so much debilitating and discouraging stipulations any individual may have. Waking up every day understanding you're afflicted with MS that step by step drags you, healthful younger man or woman, closer to continual health problem and possibly shorter lifestyles. Suddenly you not anticipate to revel in a lot of lifestyles's finest reviews. The within tale on Dr. Gary superb Multiple Sclerosis healing Read directly to notice what particularly explanations your a couple of sclerosis!
2016-09-03 08:06:55
·
answer #2
·
answered by ? 4
·
0⤊
0⤋
There are an estimated 400,000 cases of multiple sclerosis. In most cases, onset of symptoms occurs between the ages of 20 and 40. Current studies indicate that women have a greater tendency to develop the disorder, just as for other autoimmune diseases. There are more incidents of multiple sclerosis in the most northern latitudes.
I met several MS patients when I worked in nursing homes and they were all Caucasian, except one 19 y/o Afro-American male.
2006-12-11 12:24:50
·
answer #3
·
answered by HoneyBunny 7
·
0⤊
0⤋
Multiple sclerosis is one of the most debilitating and discouraging conditions anyone can have. Waking up day after day knowing you are stricken with MS that gradually drags you, healthy young person, toward chronic illness and maybe shorter life. Suddenly you no longer expect to enjoy many of life's greatest experiences. The inside story on Dr. Gary remarkable Multiple Sclerosis cure
Read on to discover what really causes your multiple sclerosis!
2016-05-15 01:22:02
·
answer #4
·
answered by Anonymous
·
0⤊
0⤋
My dad had MS, and unfortunetly passed away about 4 years ago, and I have done my share of research on the disease. about race, MS seems to show up more in European people, (my dad was greek) and mostly in females. Most people diagnosed are usually in their late 20s. There is no evidence that MS is a genetic disease, but if a child develops MS and one of their parents had it, they are more likely to inheart it from their father. Also there has been studies showing that MS is more common in the Northwest area of the united states, I am from washington
2006-12-12 04:07:24
·
answer #5
·
answered by Anonymous
·
0⤊
0⤋
Here's a few sites with good information that may lead you elsewhere...
http://www.mult-sclerosis.org/
http://www.nationalmssociety.org/
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/multiple_sclerosis/article_em.htm
2006-12-11 12:25:15
·
answer #6
·
answered by CJCinTX 4
·
1⤊
0⤋
give this a try.
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/multiple_sclerosis/multiple_sclerosis.htm
2006-12-11 12:24:10
·
answer #7
·
answered by blacktrain11 2
·
0⤊
0⤋