Numbers Of People With MS Higher Than Previously Estimated

Main Category: Multiple Sclerosis
Article Date: 14 Jun 2009 - 1:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   view / write opinions   rate article

New research released by the MS Society has for the first time revealed an accurate estimate of the number of people living with a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) in the UK.

The results show that there is likely to be around 100,000 people with MS in the UK - a 20 per cent increase on previous estimates.

The new study of GP records - funded by the MS Society - was carried out by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and updates previous estimates of 85,000.

The revised figure has major implications for health and social services and the study is a precursor to a pilot MS Register, which will provide much more information on exactly how MS affects individuals.

MS Society Chief Executive, Simon Gillespie, said: "For the first time, we have the right information on the numbers of people with MS. Based on this information, we will seek to work with local health and social services across the UK to improve services for people with MS.

"This is just the beginning. As part of its leadership of a European initiative, the MS Society will now fund a pilot MS Register, which will provide much more information on how MS affects individuals.

"If this pilot proves successful, we hope the governments in all four nations of the UK will support the introduction of a complete register."

The study was brought about following work carried out by MS Society members in Hampshire, who found that in their local area, the previous estimated prevelance rate was inaccurate.

Knowing how many people have MS is important so that health and social services can provide the right types of care and support.

In many areas of the country people do not currently have access to all the nursing care, drugs and treatment regime that they so desperately need.

Read the full Strength in Numbers briefing document - MS prevalence study briefing June 2009.pdf (201 kb)

Download the Strength in Numbers campaign leaflet - Strength in Numbers.pdf

Source
MS Society