WHAT IS MS?

Multiple Sclerosis is a disease of the central nervous system which damages the protective coating around the nerves which transmit messages to all parts of the body, especially connected with the control of muscular and sensory activity.

Who gets MS?
Statistics show that people are usually diagnosed with MS between the ages of 20 and 50, although it can occur outside this age limit.

The MS Society estimates that about 100,000 people in the UK have MS with Scotland having the highest number of affected individuals per capital compared to the rest of the world.

How many Black people have MS?
There are no figures on the number of Black people diagnosed with MS. Research suggests that the disease is less common in Black people than it is in White people.
According to the MS Society, there is very little research about ethnicity and MS. They say it is even difficult to find an accurate number of people with MS in the UK. Doctor El Silber has shown interest in this area.
However, it is known that MS is a worldwide disease that affects people of different races. The Shane Project hopes, in the future, to work with the MS Society and other organisations to establish a database of Black people with the condition.

Is there a cure for MS?
There is at present no known cure but drugs are available to help to control the symptoms.

What treatments are available?
Drugs used include Baclonfen and Copolymer. Beta-inteferon is probably the most talked about but this drug is not generally available to everyone, however, there is research now going on with stem cells. Let’s all hope for a positive result in the future.