It's completely understandable to wonder about this. The good news is that life expectancy for people with MS has been improving over time, thanks to better treatments and care.
On average, people with MS may live about 5 to 10 years less than the general population — but this gap has been shrinking. MS itself is not a Show Full Answer
It's completely understandable to wonder about this. The good news is that life expectancy for people with MS has been improving over time, thanks to better treatments and care.
On average, people with MS may live about 5 to 10 years less than the general population — but this gap has been shrinking. MS itself is not a fatal condition, meaning it doesn't directly cause death. Complications from MS progression are what can sometimes lead to more serious health risks. The most common causes of death linked to MS include:
- Heart disease and stroke
- Infections like pneumonia
- Urinary tract infections
- Injuries from falls
As one MyMSTeam member put it: "MS is not a fatal disease. However, it can lead to other illnesses and problems, and these can affect your life." There are several factors that can influence prognosis, including:
- Type of MS — Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) generally has a better outlook than progressive forms
- Age at diagnosis — Younger onset is often associated with a better prognosis
- Frequency of relapses — Fewer relapses tend to mean a better outlook
- Use of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) — These can significantly slow disease progression
Lifestyle choices also play a meaningful role. Eating well, staying active, and not smoking can help manage risk factors and support a longer, healthier life.
August 14
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