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Could living north of the 40° Latitude on the globe contribute to MS?

A MyMSTeam Member asked a question 💭
Chatsworth, CA

Although I live in Southern CA, I went to high school in Oregon. My diagnosing Neurologist said that’s all that was needed to acquire MS (living above that 40° latitude). That’s a LOT of people, from NJ across the US to OR and north! Could it be a component? I see a lot of YOU are in the north. Thoughts?

March 9, 2021
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Answer Summary

Members explored whether living north of the 40th parallel contributes to MS risk, with many connecting this pattern to reduced sun exposure... Read more

Members explored whether living north of the 40th parallel contributes to MS risk, with many connecting this pattern to reduced sun exposure and vitamin D deficiency. Several members shared that while the geographic link is real, millions live in those regions without MS, leading to a mix of curiosity and humor about being part of a small, 'special' group. A recurring theme was that the causes of MS are complex and still not fully understood, with factors like genetics, race, and environment all playing possible roles.

A MyMSTeam Member

It's not an argument here, just fact.
Living in the South doesn't make anyone exempt/immune from MS, just statistically theres a higher prevalence in the North.
The reasons are complex and largely unknown, but as places South of the equator have more sunshine, experts make that link.....not me.

March 9, 2021 (edited)
A MyMSTeam Member

@A MyMSTeam Member I'm really not sure, I believe but don't know the vitamin d part has something to do with it, winter here I'm dressed heavily,summer I'm hiding from the sun to not get burnt. I'm Caucasian which probably has something (a genetic thing I guess) to do with it. As for the equatorial thing is a lot less common in people living around the equator

April 10, 2021 (edited)
A MyMSTeam Member

@A MyMSTeam Member, you're right about those living above the 40th parallel are more likely to acquire MS but that doesn't mean you didn't. I'm often told I'm to positive but think of it as you're one of the lucky ones, you have MS. Everyone who has it wants to know how the heck did we get this but, as of now, there isn't a complete answer. If you run across someone who claims to know, do me a solid, please, don't give them any money for them giving you this knowledge and just enjoy the fact you are a medical miracle!!

March 9, 2021
A MyMSTeam Member

@A MyMSTeam Member - thank you for your inights. Does that mean your MS is based on genetics? If so, did your parents spend time north of the Latitude 40? No, I am not a recruiter for southern states. Ha!

March 9, 2021
A MyMSTeam Member

@A MyMSTeam Member

YES we are the unfortunate 0.003% group in the population and yes it is luck of the draw.
Just as it is with a variety of other conditions.

March 9, 2021

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