Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, disabling, inflammatory disease that damages your nerves. People with MS may live roughly seven years less than the general population, with an average life expectancy of about 75 years.
Factors that may influence your overall life expectancy with multiple sclerosis include:
- Disease and symptom severity: People who develop advanced disability from MS may have a decreased life expectancy compared to those with milder symptoms. Symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, difficulties with urination, and movement symptoms may also make it more likely that you’ll get certain infections.
- Infection risk: People with MS may be more likely to die from infections like pneumonia or urinary tract infections. That’s partly because some of the medications used to treat MS also suppress your immune system, making it more difficult to defend against infection.
- Early treatment: Receiving disease-modifying treatments early on can lower your risk of disability and may improve your prognosis (outlook).
- Type of MS: People with primary progressive or secondary progressive MS tend to develop greater disability compared to those with other types of MS.
- Smoking: Smoking may worsen your MS symptoms more quickly and shorten your life expectancy.
- Overall health: Other factors that shorten overall life expectancy, whether you have MS or not, include excess alcohol use, physical inactivity, excess stress, and a diet with few fruits and vegetables.
All told, people with multiple sclerosis tend to die of the same causes as the general population. For example, cardiovascular disease (such as stroke or heart attack) is the number one cause for both groups. Cancer is the second most common, and chronic lung disease is also a major cause for both.
Multiple sclerosis symptoms—such as difficulties with your mobility, speech, fatigue, and sexual or cognitive abilities—can significantly impact your life and livelihood. It’s natural to grieve that you may not be able to do everything you used to, in the way you used to. It’s healthy to acknowledge those feelings.
Still, you can lead a whole and active life with MS. The average life expectancy is about 75 years, slightly shorter than the average lifespan for the general population. The disease itself isn’t fatal, and while complications may shorten the average life span, proper management of your disease and symptoms can help you live a fulfilling life.
By getting treatment early and consistently, you may be able to reduce your symptoms. With the right care, you may find many ways to adapt to your environment, even with symptoms.
Medications, therapies, supports, and lifestyle adjustments can help you adapt and improve your quality of life. Approaches that may help you manage your multiple sclerosis, including disease progression and symptom severity, may include:
- Medication: Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) can help slow disease progression, while other medications may help ease flares or treat individual symptoms such as constipation or spasticity.
- Physical and occupational therapy: Professional therapists can help build your strength, improve your balance, address mobility challenges, and help you find tools to manage your everyday activities.
- Psychological therapy: Forms such as cognitive behavioral therapy can help you process your thoughts and feelings.
- Support groups: These groups connect you with others who have MS and who can give you practical insights and emotional support.
- Assistive devices: Canes, walkers, wheelchairs, or other devices can help improve your mobility and independence.
- Exercise: Regular exercise can help improve fatigue, strength, and stability. Your medical team can help you learn how to adjust your routine.
- Diet: The role of diet in MS isn’t clear-cut, but a diet rich in fruit and vegetables and low in heavily processed foods may help.
- Stress management: Stress may worsen symptoms in MS. Find ways to reduce and release your stress, like enjoying a hobby, spending time with close friends, practicing meditation or spirituality, and limiting activities that drain you.
- Avoid smoking: If you smoke, find strategies to quit to improve your overall health and help manage your MS symptoms.
Multiple sclerosis shortens average life expectancy by about seven years, mostly due to increased risks of infections from treatment. The average life expectancy is about 75 years, with most people passing away from causes that also affect the general population.
