Hobart has the highest incidence of multiple sclerosis in Australia, could our DNA provide the answers?

Tennille Luke
Hobart has one of the highest rates of MS in Australia. And while genetics can play a role, the evidence points more strongly to environmental factors. So one of the key reasons is Hobart’s latitude, it’s quite southern, and so there’s less sunlight, which means there’s lower vitamin D levels, and that’s a known risk factor for developing MS. So this geographic pattern has also been seen globally, not just in Australia. So that’s why research like this is important, especially in Tasmania, where MS is more common. If we can detect biological changes before symptoms appear, we might be able to intervene earlier and improve outcomes. It’s about understanding who is at risk of developing MS based on their DNA, and how the immune system responds to common viruses. So what it does highlight is the importance of early detection and personalised research. And the more we understand genetic risks, the better we’ll be able to support people with MS in the future.

Kylie Baxter
And just one thing more coming back to the UV exposure. So vitamin D, how is it that lack of vitamin D can increase the risk of developing MS? What is the link there? Why is that?

Tennille Luke
That is a really good question. And we’re all trying to understand that in more detail. There is a link in the immune system, but scientists are still trying to answer that. And I’m not exactly the expert to answer that. So it’s an ongoing research area. And we’re still trying to understand the link there.