Facts & Figures

March is MS Awareness Month, so I thought this would be a great time to share some stats and facts about Multiple Sclerosis!

-       The disease attacks myelin (the protective covering of the nerves) causing inflammation and often damaging the myelin. Myelin is necessary for the transmission of nerve impulses through nerve fibres.

-       There are four different types of MS:

·      Clinically Isolated Syndrome

§  The earliest form of MS, refers to a single episode of symptoms related to MS

·      Relapsing-Remitting MS

§  Clearly defined relapses during which new symptoms appear or existing ones worsen

·      Secondary Progression MS

§  This phase has progressively worsening and fewer relapses

·      Primary Progression MS

§  This phase is a slow accumulation of disability without defined relapses. Approximately 15% of people with MS are living in this stage. 

-       2.8 Million people are living with MS worldwide

-       About 90,000 people living in Canada have MS

-       Canada has one the highest rates of people with MS in the world, among San Marino, Denmark, Sweden and Hungary

-       Majority of Canadians are diagnosed between ages 20 to 49

 -       75% of the people in Canada who have MS are female

 -       The MS Society of Canada is the only organization focused on MS and the majority of their funding goes towards research

 -       The average health care costs of living with MS can range from $30,000-$100,000 per year

I am still learning more and more and I encourage you to do the same! 

-       Jesse