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

Catherine Godbold

The researchers also found that survival improved through the study period, as people are living longer with MS after diagnosis; those diagnosed later in the study period were more likely to live to 80 years old and had lower annual mortality rates. 

Mortality was found to be highest in deprived areas, while prevalence was highest in the least deprived areas. The researchers say this suggests that people in deprived areas are more likely to be living with undiagnosed MS, while evidence also suggests they have lower access to care, may be accessing treatments later on in the disease course, and are more likely to be living with other health conditions. 

The researchers highlight that smoking and obesity both contribute to poor outcomes for MS, and as smoking and obesity rates are higher in deprived areas, this may be contributing to inequalities in MS outcomes. 

First author Professor Raffaele Palladino (Imperial College London and 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, commented: “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.” 

The study was supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), the MS Society, and the NIHR UCLH Biomedical Research Centre. 

Source: University College London