What is the life expectancy and mortality rate for people with primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS)?
PPMS is not considered a fatal condition. Most people with PPMS die from common causes like cancer or heart disease, not from MS itself.
On average, people with any form of MS have a lifespan about seven years Show Full Answer
What is the life expectancy and mortality rate for people with primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS)?
PPMS is not considered a fatal condition. Most people with PPMS die from common causes like cancer or heart disease, not from MS itself.
On average, people with any form of MS have a lifespan about seven years shorter than those without MS. Some studies suggest life expectancy may be even lower specifically for people with PPMS.
Interestingly, while PPMS affects men and women equally (unlike other MS types that affect more women), women diagnosed with PPMS tend to have shorter lifespans than men with PPMS on average.
The good news is that medical research continues to advance. As scientists learn more about PPMS and develop new treatments, life expectancy and quality of life are expected to improve. Several factors can influence prognosis:
- Age at diagnosis matters - people diagnosed at a younger age may experience slower disease progression
- The type of symptoms at onset can provide insight into progression speed
- Early diagnosis and prompt treatment have been shown to improve outcomes
Less than 25 percent of people with PPMS reached major disability milestones by their fifth year after diagnosis, showing that progression is often gradual.
April 6
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