Multiple sclerosis is a chronic and often debilitating disease which attacks the central nervous system (the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves). It is the most common neurological disease in young adults and often attacks people at the time of their lives when they are planning families and building a career.
The average age of diagnosis is between 20 and 40 years of age, although symptoms may begin much earlier, and three out of four people living with multiple sclerosis are women.
No two cases of multiple sclerosis are identical and the severity and progression of the condition cannot be predicted.
Fact about MS:
No two cases of multiple sclerosis are identical. The visible and invisible symptoms of multiple sclerosis vary from person to person.
The average age of diagnosis is between 20-40 years of age, although children as young as 10 have been diagnosed.
Multiple scleoris attacks the central nervous system (the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves).
Multiple sclerosis is a lifelong disease for which there is no known cure.
3/4 people living with multiple sclerosis are women.
Australians will be directly impacted through a diagnosed family member, friend or colleague.
Is there a cure?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for multiple sclerosis…yet. But there are constantly new discoveries in research which help us step in the right direction to find better medicines, treatments and one day, a cure.
20,000 times this year, people will reach out to our helpline MS Connect, and be met with a caring person to listen and help them – whatever stage of their journey. The gateway to living well with MS, our free helpline provides information and advice, and links people to MS services. MS Connect helps from diagnosis to living well with MS and is free to access for people living with MS, their family members, carers and healthcare professionals.
This year, more than 1,500 people with MS will receive specialised advice from caring nurses, occupational therapists and social workers through MS Advisor. Without a long waiting list or needing to travel, MS Advisor helps people with MS wherever they are. Accessible expert consultation is available for free to support people with MS in areas including diagnosis, treatment options, symptom management and mental health.
Over 2,700 people this year will participate in MS Education webinars and events to better understand MS. Online and face-to-face programs are available for free to educate people with MS, their carers and healthcare professionals. MS Education shares the latest evidence-based, accurate information on everything from understanding multiple sclerosis, to living well and managing unpredictable symptoms.
This year, nearly 600 new people with MS and their loved ones will find social connection through MS Peer Support groups. By phone, online and in-person, MS Peer Support groups help people with MS, their family, friends and carers, receive free practical and emotional support through facilitated discussions. One to one support is also available with trained MS Peer Support Volunteers who have a lived experience of MS.
Download MS Information Flyer or check out ms.org.au to find out more about multiple sclerosis.
