Johannesburg, 30 May 2023: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), which interrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and the body.1 Symptoms range from numbness and tingling to blindness and paralysis.1 Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50 years, with at least two to three times more women than men being diagnosed with the disease.1

World Multiple Sclerosis Day on 30 May is a time to raise awareness about this disease, which is a common inflammatory neurological disease in young adults.2 Today, it is estimated that 2.8 million people around the world have MS.

The theme for World Multiple Sclerosis Day 2023 is ‘connections’ – meaning that we need to challenge barriers that leave people who are affected by MS feeling alone and isolated.2

As a result, Non Smit, Chairperson of Multiple Sclerosis South Africa, emphasises the importance of generating extensive awareness to reach individuals with MS, their healthcare providers and therapists. “This inclusive approach aims to establish a support system and platform that addresses crucial issues such as treatment accessibility, advocacy, epidemiology, and financial assistance,” she says, adding: “The ultimate goal is to instil hope and combat feelings of isolation among people living with this debilitating and incurable disease. Together, we are stronger.”

The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot yet be predicted. The disease varies greatly from person to person, and from time to time, in the same person.1 For instance, one person might experience abnormal fatigue, another might have severe vision problems, and another could develop attention and memory issues.1

Although MS can be very debilitating, it is estimated that about two-thirds of them are still able to walk, although many may need an aid, such as a cane or crutches.1

Dr Andile Mhlongo, Medical Advisor, Specialty Care at Sanofi South Africa, says: “There are no hard and fast rules about what life with MS will mean for each patient, because everybody experiences MS differently, depending on which part of the brain is affected. Symptoms range from problems with mobility to problems with vision, extreme tiredness and thinking – but these are just a few examples. It mostly affects young people, and if untreated can have a devasting impact on the lives of patients and their families.”

While there is no medicine that can cure MS, treatments are available which can modify the course of the disease. Sanofi has been a partner in the MS community since 2012, through the introduction of two treatments. One of these is an oral formulation for patients with relapsing forms of MS and the other is an infusion therapy for patients with rapidly evolving, severe relapsing-remitting MS. “Sanofi continues to be a partner through research and development to bring about therapies to improve the management of this disease. Sanofi also supports various initiatives that bring education to both patients and healthcare providers and the MS community in general,” says Mhlongo.

Advances in treating and understanding MS are being achieved daily and the progress in research to find a cure is encouraging. In addition, many therapeutic and technological advances are helping people to manage symptoms and lead more productive lives.2

In early MS, elusive symptoms that come and go might indicate any number of possible disorders. Some people have symptoms that are very difficult for physicians to interpret. While no single laboratory test is yet available to prove or rule out MS, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a great help in reaching a definitive diagnosis.2

If you are concerned about any symptoms that you or a family member may be experiencing, speak to your healthcare provider.

For further information on MS, visit: https://www.sanofi.com/en/our-science/rd-focus-areas/neurology-rd or https://www.multiplesclerosis.co.za

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References
Multiple Sclerosis SA. What is multiple sclerosis? Available from: https://www.multiplesclerosis.co.za/ms-information/what-is-ms, accessed 29 May 2023.MS International Federation. About World MS Day. Available from: https://worldmsday.org/about/, accessed 29 May 2023.

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