I was diagnosed at 51, first symptom was double vision from optic neuritis, MRI confirmed lesions. I immediately went on daily Copaxone for 5-6 years. Everyone kept asking if it was helping, I kept saying I had no idea, I had nothing to compare it with.

Finally my neurologist told me it had "done all the good it was going to do for me" and, if I wanted to stop paying the exorbitant price for it, I had his blessing. So I stopped, and nothing really changed for another 10 years.

Just recently my balance and brain-farts have gotten somewhat worse. I personally would never go back on meds.

Yes, I still have relapses. I was diagnosis at 59. My neurologist believes I have had MS for at least 20+ years. I do not believe relapses just stop for everyone just because you’re at a particular age.

I'm now 64 and I was diagnosed at the age of 37. After my initial attack of paralysis on right side and a week of steroids my symptoms left until I was 60. I had another attack which left my left leg weak so I didn't stand long and tripped a lot. After taking meds and a lot of MRI's my last MRI showed no new lesions so I was off the meds. I pray that being over 60 has stopped for the most part and new lesions. Also I am in physical therapy to strengthen the left leg and its working.

MSF 793 Duration of disease
I hope this helps. I will be 72 this October.
The consensus of my neurology team is that with age my immune system is worn out and the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis have come to an end no more exacerbations. I know this is true because my last MRI in December was clear. The destruction that has been done to my nervous system is what I have to live with until death do us part. The tough part is adding the natural aging process on top of the multiple sclerosis disability and even though the multiple sclerosis has stopped things get tougher and coping techniques become even more important. My doctors tell me multiple sclerosis is not going kill me something else is. Cheer up it gets worse. The hope for the newly diagnosed MSers is that the multiple sclerosis drugs will keep the level of disability stable and they will find something to repair the nerves. Stem cell research is showing promise in repairing the central nervous system. Never give up HOPE! ALL the BEST!!

Yes I do have flare ups. I am 72. They don't seem to cause more symptoms but makes existing systems worse. It seems to be the usual that causes these flares, stress and heat are two villains.