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What is the life expectancy for people with multiple sclerosis?

MS itself isn't fatal, but studies show that people with MS typically live about 6-7 years less than the general population on average. It's important to understand that MS doesn't directly cause death—rather, complications from symptoms like infections Show Full Answer

What is the life expectancy for people with multiple sclerosis?

MS itself isn't fatal, but studies show that people with MS typically live about 6-7 years less than the general population on average. It's important to understand that MS doesn't directly cause death—rather, complications from symptoms like infections, pneumonia, or falls can be contributing factors.

Several factors influence life expectancy with MS:

* Type of MS (relapsing-remitting typically has better outcomes than progressive forms)
* Age when symptoms first appear (younger onset often means better prognosis)
* Sex (females generally have better outcomes)
* Race and ethnicity
* How well you recover from your first attack
* Frequency of relapses

The good news is that life expectancy for people with MS has been increasing over time. You can potentially improve your outlook by:

* Starting disease-modifying therapies early to slow progression
* Eating nutritious foods
* Getting regular exercise
* Managing other health conditions like high blood pressure or high cholesterol
* Not smoking

Remember, these are averages—many people with MS live long, fulfilling lives. As one MyMSTeam member shared, "MS isn't a death sentence, but a life sentence."

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

Life Expectancy With MS: Prognosis and Outlook

How Multiple Sclerosis Affects Life Expectancy: Study Results