MS prevalence in England more than doubled from 2000 to 2020, rising 6 per cent a year, while survival also improved, new research has revealed.
The researchers estimated that standardised prevalence rose from 107 per 100,000 people in 2000 to 232 per 100,000 in 2020, equal to about 131,000 people living with MS in 2020.
In adjusted analyses, prevalence increased by 6 per cent per year. Extrapolating that trend forward, they projected that about 190,000 people are likely to be living with the condition in England today.
Lead author Professor Olga Ciccarelli, NIHR research professor of neurology at UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, said: “People with MS are living longer than ever before, thanks to better care, disease-modifying therapies, and earlier diagnosis, but there is still much more to do.
“We found that quitting smoking and maintaining a healthy weight were both associated with lower mortality.
“Therefore, tackling smoking, obesity, and inequalities in access to diagnostics and care could reduce avoidable deaths and help people with MS stay healthier for longer.”
The study was carried out by researchers at University College London and Imperial College London, who reviewed more than 30 years of public health records using a large database of GP records in England from 1990 to 2023, with some also linked to hospital data.
They identified possible MS cases using multiple sources, including diagnostic records and prescriptions for drugs used only to treat MS.
Survival improved across the study period, with people diagnosed later in the timeframe more likely to live to 80 and having lower annual mortality rates.
But the researchers also found inequalities, with higher mortality in more deprived areas, while prevalence was highest in the least deprived areas.
The researchers said this suggests people in deprived areas may be more likely to be living with undiagnosed MS.
Evidence also suggests they have less access to care, may start treatment later in the course of the disease and are more likely to be living with other health conditions.
Smoking and obesity, which are more common in deprived areas, both contribute to poorer outcomes.
First author Professor Raffaele Palladino of Imperial College London and the University of Naples Federico II said: “While much progress has been made in improving MS diagnosis and access to treatments that extend lifespans and improve quality of life, there is still more work to be done.
“Efforts to improve earlier diagnosis should be particularly focused on reaching socioeconomically disadvantaged groups who might face greater barriers to diagnosis and care.”
Dr Catherine Godbold, senior research communications manager at the MS Society, added: “Exploring the role of deprivation in MS outcomes is important research.
“It’s encouraging to see evidence showing improvements in life expectancy for people with MS.
“But we need to see more consistent access to diagnosis, treatment, and support for people to manage their symptoms so that everyone with MS, whatever their circumstances or where they live, can live well.
“We know smoking and obesity can worsen MS, and this study suggests targeted support around stopping smoking and maintaining a healthy weight could also be crucial in reducing inequalities in MS outcomes.”
