Searching for MS-Triggering Factors

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(note from Sharon: after the previous post re the research about possible MS triggers I thought some of you might enjoy reading this.)http://www.nationalmssociety.org/research/research-we-fund/focus/searching-for-triggering-factors/index.aspxAmong the approaches the National MS Society is taking to find the

cause and cure for MS is research into triggering or risk factors that

influence whether a person develops the disease. Research of

populations to study disease patterns, including variations in

geography, demographics, socioeconomic status, genetics, environmental

risk factors, and exposure to infectious agents, is called

“epidemiology.” These studies provide vital information about

relationships among these factors, so that we can better understand who

gets MS and why, identify and explain areas with high or low rates of

the disease, and assist in planning for health care and other services.

Finding a way to prevent MS will require understanding the genes that make people susceptible

to developing the disease, and also identifying the environmental

triggers so that those triggers can be avoided or otherwise de-railed

so that MS is prevented from developing. The Society funds epidemiology

studies to identify risk or protective factors, studies of how

infection(s) might trigger MS. As we learn more about susceptibility

genes, studies of how the immune system and genes interact with

environmental factors to cause MS become more feasible.

Epidemiologic studies have given us some important clues about who develops MS:

The disease affects more than twice as many women as men.It is most common among people with a northern European heritage, but people of other backgrounds develop the disease as well.MS appears to be more prevalent in temperate regions of the world than in the tropics.It

is diagnosed most often in people between the ages of 20 and 50,

although it also can develop quite early or quite late in life.Some possible risk factors that have been identified for MS include cigarette smoking and Epstein Barr virus.Some possible protective factors that have been identified for MS include intake of vitamin D and greater exposure to sunlight.

Epidemiological studies ultimately seek to discover the cause of MS,

and may also serve as the basis for developing future treatments. Read more about what epidemiology studies are telling us about that cause of multiple sclerosis (.pdf). This email is a natural hand made product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.

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