What Causes MS?
This is the key question & it remains a conundrum as researchers continue to dig deeper year after year. The list of findings continues to grow with a plethora of new, updated “risk factors.” All are examined, documented & either deemed worthless or worthwhile of further exploration into the potential connection(s) as to the diagnosis of MS. In this post you’ll find the latest information about MS research, including the most recent findings based on studies conducted worldwide. The information compiled here is based on 2017 year end reports gathered & provided by the National MS Society along with other MS organizations across the globe. Some updates per 2018 findings are also included. Therefore, this is the most up to date information available. As new information is confirmed & released publicly, we will do our best to make sure to edit/post accordingly.
In MS, an abnormal immune-mediated response causes inflammation and damage to the myelin coating that is wrapped around nerve fibers (axons) in the central nervous system (CNS). Also damaged are the cells that make myelin and the nerve fibers themselves. In recent years, researchers have been able to identify immune cells that target the CNS in people with MS, some of the factors that cause them to respond abnormally, and the process of the immune system response. Ongoing efforts to learn more about the immune-mediated process in MS — what sets it in motion, and how to slow or stop it — will bring us closer to understanding the cause of MS.
Environmental Factors
Although the cause of MS is not known, more is being learned about environmental factors that contribute to the risk of developing MS. There is no single risk factor that provokes MS, but several factors are believed to contribute to the overall risk.
Geographic gradient
MS is known to occur more frequently in areas that are farther from the equator. Epidemiologists — scientists who study disease patterns in large groups of people— are looking at variations in geography, demographics (age, gender and ethnic background), genetics, infectious causes and migration patterns in an effort to understand why.
Studies have shown that people born in an area with a high risk of MS who then move — or migrate — to an area with a lower risk before the age of 15 assume the risk of their new area. Such data suggest that exposure to some environmental agent before puberty may predispose a person to develop MS later on.
MS “clusters” — the perception that very high numbers of cases of MS have occurred in a specific time period or location — may provide clues to environmental or genetic risk for the disease. So far, cluster studies in MS have not produced clear evidence for the existence of any causative or triggering factor or factors in MS. See further information about clusters in the link added below.
Vitamin D
Growing evidence suggests that vitamin D plays an important role in MS. Low vitamin D levels in the blood have been identified as a risk factor for the development of MS. Some researchers believe that sun exposure (the natural source of Vitamin D) may help to explain the north-south distribution of MS. People who live closer to the equator are exposed to greater amounts of sunlight year-round. As a result, they tend to have higher levels of naturally-produced vitamin D, which is thought to support immune function and may help protect against immune-mediated diseases like MS.
Smoking
The evidence is also growing that smoking plays an important role in MS. Studies have shown that smoking increases a person’s risk of developing MS and is associated with more severe disease and more rapid disease progression. Fortunately, the evidence also suggests that stopping smoking — whether before or after the onset of MS — is associated with a slower progression of disability.
Obesity
Several studies have shown that obesity in childhood and adolescence, particularly in girls, increased the risk of later developing MS. Other studies have shown that obesity in early adulthood may also contribute to an increased of developing MS. Also, obesity may contribute to inflammation and more MS activity in those already diagnosed with MS.
In MS, an abnormal immune-mediated response causes inflammation and damage to the myelin coating that is wrapped around nerve fibers (axons) in the central nervous system (CNS). Also damaged are the cells that make myelin and the nerve fibers themselves. In recent years, researchers have been able to identify immune cells that target the CNS in people with MS, some of the factors that cause them to respond abnormally, and the process of the immune system response. Ongoing efforts to learn more about the immune-mediated process in MS — what sets it in motion, and how to slow or stop it — will bring us closer to understanding the cause of MS.
Listed below are some IMPORTANT links which will direct you towards very specific information. Topics of interest include disproved or debunked theories & other areas of research which continue to reveal reputable findings deserved of special attention & further research. Please click on the links provided below each listed topic & feel free to share with others who may benefit.
Disproved Theories:
https;//www.nationalmssociety.org/What-is-MS/What-Causes-MS/Disproved-theories
