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Real members of MyMSTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

With all the bad side effects, would it be worth it to get DMT meds to prolong the process of MS or just treat the symptoms?

A MyMSTeam Member asked a question 💭
Henderson, NV

I will be 72 in two months and was just diagnosed with MS last month.

October 2
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Reactions
A MyMSTeam Member

Sorry that you were diagnosed. Did they say if You have RRMS , SPMS, or PPMS

That’s a great question and probably one that only you can answer with the help of your doctors. I guess it depends on your overall health and medical history. Do you get sick a lot with respiratory infections, do you have a history of cancer etc. I am not a doctor and don’t want to give advice , but in my opinion if you do go on medication maybe start off with something mild , not a stronger efficacy one that suppresses the immune system like Ocrevus.

You can always switch medications to find one that your body responds well to. I wish you lots of luck .

October 2
A MyMSTeam Member

At 72? that's absolutely way too long for you to finally get your answer! If the symptoms are that severe and debilitating, do it.

October 3
MyMSTeam

First of all, a new MS diagnosis at any age can feel overwhelming, and it's completely understandable to weigh whether the benefits of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) are worth the potential side effects. This is a very personal decision, and one best made with your neurologist.

Here's what the research suggests for Show Full Answer

First of all, a new MS diagnosis at any age can feel overwhelming, and it's completely understandable to weigh whether the benefits of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) are worth the potential side effects. This is a very personal decision, and one best made with your neurologist.

Here's what the research suggests for someone in your situation:

- Guidelines from the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers suggest that people over 60 with no recent relapses and no new lesions on MRI *may* consider skipping or discontinuing DMTs
- However, DMTs have been shown to slow disease progression, protect memory and thinking, and improve quality of life
- One long-term study found that people who stayed on their DMT were significantly more likely to be alive after 19 years compared to those who didn't The good news is that not everyone experiences severe side effects — many MyMSTeam members report either no side effects or manageable ones. Some side effects also fade over time.

The key takeaway is this: never start or stop a DMT without talking to your neurologist first. They can review your specific MS activity, MRI results, and overall health to help figure out the best path forward for *you*.

October 2

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