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A MyMSTeam Member asked a question 💭
Portland, OR

I saw a new Neurologist and he was explaining to me that the use of M.S. medications are not as effective for older folks. I am 61 using Mayzent. The side of effects of all M.S. meds is that they lower my immune system, which makes me more vulnerable to Covid, colds, etc. which is not good for me (obviously). Has anyone else had this discussion with their Doc.? He is not recommending that I change my meds now, just something to add to my already confusing life... Thoughts?

October 14, 2025
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A MyMSTeam Member

My doctor talked to me about stopping when I was 67, I was diagnosed at 64, I'm 71 now and haven't taken anything since I was 68. No changes in MRIs since 2018. Just getting older is as hard or harder on me than MS. I do get vaccines when I need to.

October 14, 2025
A MyMSTeam Member

I agree it’s a hot topic…and it’s so individual to each person. I’m not that age yet but when I am I’m going to be taking a long, hard look at my disease history and have lengthy discussions about the risk of going off meds. The flip side of the argument is that due to age, if you DO end up with a relapse, it is harder to recover from and might end up in permanent disability. Tough decisions and one only you and your doc can make together. I wish you continued stability regardless of what you decide in the future and please keep us updated. It’s educational for all of us ❤️

October 18, 2025
MyMSTeam

This is indeed a topic that many neurologists are discussing with their older MS patients. Research shows that as people age, they may be less likely to have new inflammation, which could affect how necessary certain MS medications are. However, disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) help maintain memory, thinking, and physical Show Full Answer

This is indeed a topic that many neurologists are discussing with their older MS patients. Research shows that as people age, they may be less likely to have new inflammation, which could affect how necessary certain MS medications are. However, disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) help maintain memory, thinking, and physical function longer, so any changes should be carefully considered. Safety considerations become increasingly important as we age. The risks of certain MS medications may increase with age, particularly regarding immune system effects. It's important to weigh these risks against the benefits of reduced relapse rates and slower MS progression. This should be an ongoing discussion with your neurologist through shared decision-making, where you express your goals and preferences while they provide medical guidance. Never stop taking your DMT without discussing it with your healthcare provider first. They can help evaluate side effects, costs, benefits, and risks to determine the best path forward for your specific situation. Your neurologist's approach of bringing this up for future consideration rather than immediate action shows they're thinking proactively about your long-term care.

October 14, 2025

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Westfield, MA

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