New study highlights impact of inequality in MS
We know the number of people living with MS in the UK is increasing. And research tells us the difference in average life expectancy for people living with MS compared to other people, is getting smaller.
There are several reasons for these changes, including earlier and more accurate diagnosis, and more effective disease modifying therapies (DMTs).
But a new study suggests not everyone with MS is benefitting equally from progress.
The paper, from researchers at Imperial College London and University College London, analysed GP records from England, spanning more than three decades.
Read the full paper on the journal website
What is socioeconomic deprivation?
The researchers looked at socioeconomic deprivation amongst people living with MS in England. Deprivation isn't just about income. Researchers look at a range of things including:
- employment levels
- health
- education
- housing.
In this study, they used a standard tool which combines all these factors to rank areas across the UK from least to most deprived.
A divide based on where you live
The study suggests the number of people living with MS in England has been increasing by about 6% each year. And that the number of people with MS living past 80 years old has also increased. Those diagnosed more recently were more likely to live past 80 years old.
But results showed a difference depending on deprivation.
MS was recorded more often in less deprived areas. But the numbers of people passing away per year, from any cause, were higher in the most deprived areas.
The researchers suggest this could be because people living in less deprived areas may:
- be more likely to be diagnosed early
- be less likely to live with other health conditions as well as MS
- have better access to treatments
Risk factors linked to deprivation
We know that smoking makes MS worse. It can worsen symptoms and speed up progression. Some research has also suggested obesity can worsen progression.
This study supports previous findings, by showing better outcomes were linked with not smoking and having an average weight.
But it also shows differences according to deprivation:
Smoking
More people with MS are now former smokers, which is positive news. But this change has not been equal.
People in the most deprived areas were less likely to have never smoked, and less likely to have previously been a smoker but now stopped.
Weight
Levels of obesity and being underweight have increased over time. And both obesity and being underweight were more common in more deprived groups.
What does this mean for people living with MS?
We're pleased to see more research exploring the impact of inequality on MS. This is one of the aims of our action plan for EEDI in MS 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 the impact of MS. So that everyone with MS, whatever their circumstances or where they live, can live well.
This study suggests targeted support around stopping smoking and maintaining a healthy weight could also be crucial in reducing inequalities in MS outcomes.
More evidence that the number of people living with MS continues to rise is valuable too. Our latest figures show over 150,000 people were living with MS in the UK between 2018-2020. That’s likely to be even higher now. So it's more important than ever that the growing needs of people with MS are well understood across health and care services, government and employers.
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