Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system. The life expectancy of individuals with MS varies depending on various factors such as age, gender, overall health, and the type and progression of the disease. While MS is a lifelong condition, it is not considered a fatal disease. Most people with MS have a normal life expectancy and can live fulfilling lives with proper management of symptoms and treatment. However, severe cases of MS or complications arising from the disease may impact life expectancy. It is crucial for individuals with MS to work closely with healthcare professionals to develop a personalized treatment plan and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Life expectancy for people with multiple sclerosis is 74.7 years according to a study conducted in Norwegian patients between 1953 and 2012. This life expectancy is 7 years less than the general population.
However, the life expectancy of people affected by multiple sclerosis depends on the type of multiple sclerosis and the severity of the disease, with some types of MS being similar to the general population.
The best prognosis is for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, where the mean life expectancy is 77.8 years, while the worst is for primary progressive multiple sclerosis with a lifespan of 71.4 years.
Women also have better prognosis, with their average life expectancy being 77.2 years, counting all types and degrees of severity, compared to 72.2 years for men.
With the new treatments, life expectancy is increasing year after year as well as the years of survival after diagnosis. While in 1969 people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis survived an average of 17 years, in 2017 they are expected to survive at least 40.6 years.