Multiple Sclerosis & Lifespan: What You Need to Know

Introduction

Living with a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) can feel overwhelming, especially when you're faced with big questions like, “How will this affect my life expectancy?” The good news? The outlook for people with MS has dramatically improved over the past few decades, and many individuals with MS live long, full lives. ❤️

In this article, we’ll dive deep into how MS affects lifespan, what the science says, and what you can do to take control of your health and live well with MS.

🌟 What Is Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic, autoimmune neurological disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective sheath (myelin) covering nerve fibers. This disrupts communication between the brain and the rest of the body.

There are four main types of MS:

  1. Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS) – The most common form, marked by flare-ups and recovery periods.
  2. Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS) – Starts as RRMS but gradually worsens.
  3. Primary Progressive MS (PPMS) – Worsens from the beginning with no clear relapses.
  4. Progressive-Relapsing MS (PRMS) – Rare, progressive from onset with occasional relapses.

📊 Average Life Expectancy With MS: The Facts

Many studies have shown that people with MS generally have a mildly reduced life expectancy compared to the general population. On average:

  • People with MS live about 5 to 10 years less than those without the disease.
  • Most individuals live into their 70s or beyond.
  • The gap has been narrowing thanks to medical advances, earlier diagnoses, and better disease management.

Key Study:
A study published in Neurology (2014) followed over 30,000 people with MS and found the average lifespan was 76 years for women and 73 for men, compared to 81 and 76 in the general population.

🧬 What Influences Life Expectancy in MS?

Several factors can influence how MS impacts an individual's lifespan:

MS Type and Severity

People with milder forms like RRMS tend to live longer than those with progressive forms, especially PPMS, which can worsen more rapidly.

Time to Diagnosis and Treatment

Early intervention with Disease-Modifying Therapies (DMTs) can significantly slow disease progression and reduce relapses. The earlier you're treated, the better your long-term outlook.

Mobility and Complications

People who lose mobility early on may have a higher risk of:

  • Infections (like UTIs or pneumonia)
  • Blood clots
  • Pressure sores
    These complications can influence overall health and longevity.

Mental Health and Lifestyle

Depression, social isolation, and stress can have both direct and indirect effects on life expectancy. On the flip side, positive mental health and active lifestyle choices can be protective. Want an online therapist? Click here.

💉 Disease-Modifying Therapies (DMTs): A Game Changer

Thanks to advances in medical science, DMTs are improving both quality of life and lifespan in people with MS. These medications help:

✅ Slow disease progression
✅ Reduce the frequency of relapses
✅ Delay long-term disability

Some of the most effective DMTs include:

  • Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus)
  • Fingolimod (Gilenya)
  • Alemtuzumab (Lemtrada)
  • Natalizumab (Tysabri)

Clinical trials have shown that people on DMTs experience fewer hospitalizations and complications—contributing to a longer, healthier life. 🩺

🏃Lifestyle Choices That Support Longevity

Living with MS doesn’t mean giving up control of your future. In fact, lifestyle choices can significantly impact both disease progression and life expectancy. Here's how:

🥗 Nutrition Matters

  • Anti-inflammatory diets like the Mediterranean Diet are associated with improved outcomes in MS.
  • Focus on: omega-3 fatty acids, leafy greens, lean proteins, and fiber. Want supplements for people with MS? Click here.
  • Avoid: processed foods, excessive sugar, and saturated fats.

🧘Stay Physically Active

Regular exercise improves:

  • Muscle strength
  • Balance
  • Cardiovascular health
  • Mood and cognitive function

Even low-impact activities like yoga, walking, or swimming can make a big difference. 🏊 Want to train at home? Click here.

🧠 Take Care of Your Mental Health

People with MS are at higher risk of depression and anxiety, which can affect both quality of life and physical health. Support options include:

🚭 Avoid Smoking and Excess Alcohol

Smoking is one of the strongest modifiable risk factors linked to MS progression and earlier death. Quitting smoking can literally add years to your life.

🛌 Managing MS Complications That Can Affect Longevity

MS doesn’t typically cause death directly—but certain complications can be serious if not managed well:

Infections

  • Bladder dysfunction can lead to recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  • Immobility can increase the risk of pneumonia or pressure ulcers

➡️ Solution: Proactive hygiene, physical therapy, and mobility aids can help.

Falls and Injuries

Balance issues can result in dangerous falls, fractures, or even head injuries.

➡️ Solution: Use assistive devices and consider fall-proofing your home. Want online stores with useful tools? Click here and here.

Cardiovascular Risk

People with MS may have a slightly increased risk of heart disease due to sedentary lifestyle or chronic inflammation.

➡️ Solution: Stay active, eat well, and monitor your blood pressure and cholesterol.

👩The Importance of Ongoing Medical Care

Regular monitoring by a neurologist and interdisciplinary MS care team can help catch issues early, adjust treatments, and optimize your wellness plan.

Key members of an MS care team:

  • Neurologist
  • Physical Therapist
  • Occupational Therapist
  • Mental Health Therapist
  • Urologist
  • Primary Care Physician

Together, they help manage symptoms and reduce complications—key factors in improving life expectancy.

👵 What About End-of-Life in MS?

While it’s not easy to talk about, understanding the later stages of MS helps families and patients prepare. In advanced stages:

  • MS may cause significant disability.
  • Palliative care may be appropriate to manage pain, dignity, and comfort.
  • It’s important to plan for long-term care, legal decisions, and advance directives when needed.

But again, most people with MS do not die from the condition itself, and many live decades with the disease.

🧬 Promising Research and the Future of MS

Exciting research is underway that could extend lifespan even further:

🔬 Remyelination Therapies

Scientists are developing drugs that could help repair damaged myelin—potentially reversing damage.

💉 Stem Cell Therapy

Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT) is being studied for its ability to “reset” the immune system.

🧪 Biomarkers and Early Detection

Earlier detection = earlier treatment = better outcomes.

As these treatments evolve, so will the life expectancy and quality of life for people with MS

🙋Real-Life Perspective

Many people with MS are living vibrant lives well into their 70s and beyond. Here are a few inspirational facts:

  • Selma Blair, diagnosed in her 40s, continues acting and raising awareness.
  • Christina Applegate still attends public events and advocates for MS support.
  • Thousands of patients balance work, family, and personal goals despite their diagnosis.

Your MS diagnosis isn’t the end—it's just a different path forward. 🚶🌿

✅ Final Thoughts: How to Live Longer and Better With MS

Here’s a quick recap to support both lifespan and quality of life:

  • 🧠 Get diagnosed early and start DMTs
  • 🍽 Eat an anti-inflammatory, whole-food diet
  • 🧘Stay active, even gently
  • 🧍Prevent falls and infections
  • 🧑See your MS care team regularly
  • 💬 Stay mentally and emotionally well
  • 🚭 Quit smoking and limit alcohol

With the right approach, living a long, full life with MS is not just possible—it’s probable. 💪

📚 References

  1. Marrie, R. A., et al. (2014). Effect of comorbidity on mortality in multiple sclerosis. Neurology, 82(24), 2095–2101.
  2. Lunde, H. M. B., et al. (2017). Survival and cause of death in multiple sclerosis: A 60-year longitudinal population study. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, 88(8), 621–625.
  3. Harding, K. E., et al. (2019). Long-term prognosis of multiple sclerosis. Neurology, 92(15), e1646-e1657.
  4. National MS Society. (2023). www.nationalmssociety.org
  5. MS Society UK. (2024). Life expectancy and mortality in MS. www.mssociety.org.uk

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