6 myths about multiple sclerosis

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

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 MS,” Moses said. “MS 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 MS.”

2. Only old people get the disease.

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

3. MS 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 MS.”

4. Women with MS 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. MS is curable.

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

6. MS 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 MS, ongoing physical activity remains vital for their functionality and quality of life. Both strength training and cardiovascular exercises are key for healthy aging.