About Multiple Sclerosis

MS is characterised by an attack on myelin, the fatty material that insulates nerves, like the plastic covering over electrical wires. Nerves carry messages from the brain to different parts of the body, just as electrical wires carry electricity. The process during which myelin is removed is called 'demyelination'. People with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) are more likely to be diagnosed in their early adult years, often a vital time for establishing a career and/or starting a family. Their diagnosis will bring the total number of People with MS in Australia alone to over 20,000. Three out of every four people diagnosed are women.

The incidence increases by 7% each year compounding the pressure for research. The total financial cost annually is close to $2 billion dollars.

MS Australia - ACT/ NSW/Vic has put together a list of Quick Facts about MS.  Read more here

MS is characterised by an attack on myelin, the fatty material that insulates nerves, like the plastic covering over electrical wires. Nerves carry messages from the brain to different parts of the body, just as electrical wires carry electricity. The process during which myelin is removed is called 'demyelination'.

Our bodies have ways to replenish the supply of myelin through a process known as ‘remyelination’. However, over time this process breaks down. A person’s condition degenerates as more myelin is stripped and damaged nerves are unable to transmit messages at all.  This slow neurodegeneration is responsible for the progressive increase in disability in People with MS. 

More information about MS is available from these reliable websites with excellent references to current global research:

  • MS UK developing a partnership with MSRA and supporting the international effort to beat MS.
  • MS Trust has range of publications that are available from their website.
  • MS International Federation provides a snapshot of MS.
  • National MS Society (USA) has a library of pre-recorded webcasts and podcasts of presentations about MS.

Support and care for People with MS is provided by the following state-based societies who are all members of MS Australia.

Why is MS research important?

MS affects most people during their prime

MS strikes when a person is at their most active, usually in their early 20’s with increasing professional, social and/or family responsibilities.

MS is a costly disease

The total financial cost annually of MS to the community is estimated to be nearly $2 billion. (Source: 2005 Access Economics Report)

Quality research is generating results

Australia's research strengths in MS research include:

  • Genetics research to identify the genes that may play a role in MS and influence relapses
  • Large-scale population studies to identify environmental triggers of the disease
  • Clinical trials to assess the benefit of new treatments and therapies, with no less than a dozen trials currently underway in Australia

 

An MS Cure will be life changing for millions

A cure to MS will transform the lives of over 2.5 million people afflicted by MS around the world.