The myelin scar tissue essentially jams communication between your brain and your body.
It’s also unknown why some people develop MS later than others.
Further research needs to be done to understand the causes and onset of MS more clearly.
Verywell / Nusha Ashjaee
Once the attack is over, MS symptoms may disappear.
Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS)
Secondary progressive MSoccurs when RRMS takes on a progressive form.
Within 25 years of having RRMS, an estimated 90% of untreated patients gradually transitioned to SPMS.
Relapses and plateaus may occur in some people.
PPMS usually starts with problems walking, such as foot-dragging or stiffness in one or both legs.
Over the course of months and years, the degree of disability increases.
This punch in affects around 15% of people with MS.
Older adults are more likely to be diagnosed with PPMS than younger adults.
Many studies estimate that around 4% of MS patients start having MS symptoms after the age of 50.
Unfortunately, MS may be harder to diagnose in this population for a variety of reasons.
Symptoms of late-onset MS are also often mistaken for signs of normal aging.
These include fatigue,balance problems,vision changes, andcognitive impairmentthat healthcare providers may presume are aging-related.
Even some diagnostic tests may be incorrectly interpreted if steps are not taken to explore immune-mediated diseases.
Males were also found to progress significantly faster to disability than females.
Delayed diagnosis and treatment are among the reasons why people with late-onset MS tend to have a worse outcome.
The effects of aging, more rapid physical disability, and having PPMS are other factors.
There are some potential limitations to DMTs for people over 50.
They have been shown to significantly decrease disability.
If you think you might have symptoms of MS, be sure to see your healthcare provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
There’s no limit.
Womenin general are more susceptible to multiple sclerosis, regardless of age.
The early symptoms of MS are basically the same regardless of a person’s age.
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