It is Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Month!
by Jiayi Li
Did you know that Canada has one of the highest rates of multiple sclerosis (MS) in the world? About 93,000 Canadians are living with MS, and this number is only rising. MS is a chronic autoimmune disease that targets the central nervous system, which can affect vision, memory, balance, and mobility.
Here are some commonly asked questions about the disease:
What causes MS?
The causes of MS are a mystery. From years of research, evidence suggests that genetic, biological, lifestyle, and environmental factors can all contribute to the onset of the disease. Researchers are continuing to study MS in hopes of determining if specific factors are more impactful to an individual’s risk.
Who gets MS?
It is most common for adults between the ages of 20-49 to be diagnosed. Younger and older individuals can also get the disease, but the average age of diagnosis in Canada is 43. A whopping 75% of those with MS are female (MS Society of Canada, 2022).
Is there a cure?
Not currently, but researchers are exploring ways to repair damage. There are currently treatments that focus on slowing down disease progression, managing symptoms, and recovering quickly from MS attacks.
What is it like to live with MS?
Here are some stories from individuals who are living with MS.
Yvette is a mom and mixed martial arts (MMA) official who was diagnosed in 2014. The disease has caused muscle weakness, blurred vision, pain, and extreme fatigue. Yvette’s daughter shared “sometimes it feels as though this disease steals the very things that make her feel like a person”. These adverse symptoms can take a harmful toll on an individual’s well-being and normal functioning, but Yvette has continued her service in the girl scouts and as an advocate for safety in MMA.
Tyler was diagnosed in 2004 at the age of 16. He is an MBA candidate and snowboarder, and speaks on his experience learning to live with MS. His advice to his younger self would be to not worry and that although there are many difficulties and gray areas, everything will be okay.
Click here to learn about a diverse group of individuals who live with MS - their stories are all unique and empowering.
Although the clear-cut causes and treatment of MS are not known, researchers are actively exploring various factors that contribute to the onset of MS and symptom management. Click here to learn about some of the ways to get involved in the community, whether it be making a monetary contribution to research or volunteering your time with the MS Society of Canada.