6 myths about multiple sclerosis

A Vanderbilt expert sets the record straight on common misconceptions about this illness.

There are many misconceptions lurking around multiple sclerosis (MS). We asked Dr. Harold Moses, Jr. of the Vanderbilt Multiple Sclerosis Center to address six myths surrounding the disease.

1. Multiple sclerosis is a terminal illness.

“The average person with multiple sclerosis lives anywhere from seven to nine years fewer than a person without it,” Moses said. “This is not a disease that really affects patient mortality in a significant way. However, it does affect what we call ‘morbidity,’ which is about disability — over time, people can have more disability as a result of multiple sclerosis.”

2. Only old people get the disease.

“That’s absolutely false,” Moses said. “Of all the chronic neurological illnesses that exist, this one affects people at the youngest age. The average person with multiple sclerosis is 29 years of age when diagnosed, whereas with other chronic illnesses such as dementia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Parkinson’s disease, people are typically diagnosed after turning 50.”

3. Multiple sclerosis will leave a patient paralyzed or disabled in every case.

“No, absolutely not true,” Moses said. “In fact, there are a number of people who have fully functional lives for extended periods of time after their diagnosis — and some people even reach the end of their lives with no disability from their multiple sclerosis.”

4. Women with this condition can’t breastfeed.

“Not true,” Moses said. “There is some evidence that breastfeeding helps prevent relapses during women’s postpartum time. We encourage breastfeeding when possible.”

5. Multiple sclerosis is curable.

“Unfortunately, like almost all chronic illnesses, multiple sclerosis is not curable,” Moses said. “However, current treatments have changed the progress of this disease significantly.”

6. Patients should cut back on physical activity and avoid the gym.

“Oh, no,” Moses said. “On the contrary, physical activity is key for patients to maintain functionality. As people age with or without multiple sclerosis, ongoing physical activity remains vital for their functionality and quality of life. Both strength training and cardiovascular exercises are key for healthy aging.