Late-Onset MS - LOMS from United Spinal Assoc.

[sllowe]

In keeping with member topic wants - I remembered an excellent article in the MSQR and found this version online:

"Introduction
Multiple sclerosis (MS) has typically been considered a disease of young adults. It actually occurs in people of all ages, but affects far fewer children and older adults than people in their 20’s and 30’s. Studies describing MS that is diagnosed after age 50 (late-onset MS; LOMS) have provided conflicting information about LOMS patients’ prognosis, compared with that of individuals whose MS symptoms start before age 40 (young-onset MS; YOMS). More-recent investigations have led to a better understanding of LOMS and its differences from YOMS, as described in brief below."

http://www.unitedspinal.org/msscene/2009/05/20/late-onset-ms/

-Shell

[Mike_Shuswap]

JaneK1975 - Great observations!

While it may be difficult to pinpoint the first date of onset of MS related symptoms, it is interesting that the gap between symptom onset and diagnosis is never mentioned in any related articles that I've read.

I was dx'd at 53, almost 54, but it has never been related to me that my MS is clasified as being LOMS. As a matter of fact, I've never even been told RRMS, PPMS, nor SPMS.

Sumanadevil - You're right. Just because studies show MS to progress at a more rapid rate in LOMS, that doesn't mean everyone dx'd over the age of 50 needs to worry about quickly deteriating. I personaly don't feel any worse off than I did a year ago, maybe thanks to Rebif, or maybe when they autopsy me they'll determine I didn't have MS after all...who knows.

Mike

[LisaJF]

Shell --

Great article.

[JaneK1975]

I have yet to read a news or research article that differentiates between late onset MS and late diagnosed MS. It seems that most generalize the two as if they are the same thing, but we know that there is a huge variability from individual to individual with respect to date of onset of symptoms versus date of diagnosis.

It stands to reason that the length of time between the date of onset of initial symptoms and date of diagnosis would have an effect on presenting symptom(s) at diagnosis and type of MS at diagnosis, and a gap between onset of symptoms and initiation of treatment could be a third variable affecting prognosis.

From a scientific point of view, I understand that it is almost impossible to objectively identify the initial onset of symptoms in any individual, but I think it would be nice if news and research articles looking into the differences between YOMS and LOMS at least mentioned the gap between symptom onset and diagnosis.

Does anyone know how doctors/researchers differentiate between SPMS and PPMS? It is through clinical  presentation only, or are they able to differentiate using MRIs?

[Sumanadevii]

There was a study (and if questioned I will search to find it) that found many people in their late 70's and 80's that died of natural causes having gone to their grave not even knowing they had MS.  It was only on autopsy it was revealed.  Many complained of the same their counterparts had just thinking it was old age.

So, I do believeve a study is just that....depends on what you are looking for in that study.  Just because a study says that MS in older folks means a harsher course does not mean it is necessarily true.

[sllowe]

bump for new member

[sllowe]

Your welcome :) If you find addtl. solid info we can always add here and keep it current.

-shell

[tingletingle]

Shell,
That's very good of you to post this. The article is more recent than the previous research I had read so thank you. It just reinforces the urgency around my decision to change my lifestyle.

Blessings
Alex

[meg321]

Thanks shell, just came on for a minute and saw your post...

meg

[Mike_Shuswap]

Thanks for posting this informative article.

Mike