Multiple sclerosis

With over 1,000,000 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients living worldwide, earlier recognition of the disease, more effective disease-modifying drugs (DMDs), and symptom management resulting in increasing life expectancy, scientific inquiry into aging MS patients has become an increasing concern. This chapter discusses the major clinical entities and ancillary studies that must be considered in the care of people with MS and focuses on the health of individuals with MS as they age. The diagnosis of MS is based on criteria that still largely hinge on a clinical history of the development of acute or chronic focal neurological manifestations involving different parts of the nervous system without any other possible diagnosis. The clinical spectrum of MS is unique to each individual and the myriad of presentations is what makes treating this disease all the more challenging. The chapter also focuses on the overall effects of DMDs in an ageing population.