While anyone can develop MS, there are certain groups and risk factors that increase the chance of developing MS.
- Sex: Women are more than 3 times more likely to develop MS than men.
- Age: The disease most commonly affects individuals between ages 55 and 64, though even children can develop MS.
- Race: African Americans are more likely than white Americans to develop MS. Hispanic Americans and Asian Americans are less likely to develop MS than white Americans.
- Geography: People living in North American and European Countries (living farther from the equator) are more likely to develop MS. Within the US, MS rates are higher in the northern half of the country. Decreased sunlight causes decreased vitamin D levels which increases the risk for MS.
- Medical conditions: such as EBV infection and obesity during adolescence.
- Lifestyle: Smoking and working nightshifts frequently.
- Exposure: Organic solvents
- Genetics: Genetic influences are not as straightforward as eye and color but more than 200 genes that have a small effect in increasing the risk of developing MS.
The BeCare MS App can help you assess yourself for neurologic abnormalities that may suggest you need to be evaluated by a specialist. If you have MS, the BeCare MS App can help you monitor your disease for progression and for response to MS treatments.