LIVING WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS (MS)

I was glad to have the opportunity to meet with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in Westminster recently to discuss the care needs of those living with this condition and how this charity works so hard to improve the lives of those with MS, through research, campaigning and support.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system (your brain and your spinal cord) and the condition makes it hard for those affected to do everyday thinks such as walk, talk, eat and think.

It is estimated that there are more than 130,000 people in the UK diagnosed with MS, that's one in 500, with about 130 people diagnosed every week on average. MS is commonly diagnosed in people between the ages of 20 and 30. There are roughly three times as many women with MS as men.

Studies have found that the further north from the equator you live, the higher the chance of developing MS. It appears that there is a higher rate of MS in the UK (MS is more common in Scotland than in the rest of the UK), North America and Scandinavia but a very low chance in countries like Malaysia which are very close to the equator.

Some research suggests that there is a link between MS and vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D mostly comes from exposure to sunlight so this could be a factor. Research on this matter is on-going.

I applaud the work of the MS Society as it seeks to support those living with this condition.