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MS Deaths Rise: Black Patients Die Younger
24 Jul
Summary
- Black MS patients die at a younger age than white patients.
- High blood pressure increasingly causes MS-related deaths.
- Overall MS death rates have been rising between 2012 and 2023.
A recent study reveals that Black individuals diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) are succumbing to the disease at earlier ages than their white counterparts. The findings, published in the September issue of Neurology Open Access, indicate that the peak age range for MS-related deaths among Black patients is between 65 and 74, whereas for white patients, it is between 75 and 84.
Researchers observed an overall increase in MS death rates between 2012 and 2023. This trend is concerning, as advancements in MS treatments might be expected to stabilize or decrease these figures. The study points to high blood pressure as a growing contributor to MS-related deaths from 2019 to 2023, affecting both Black and white individuals.
This disparity underscores the need for targeted interventions to better manage high blood pressure, including enhanced screening and improved access to primary care. Experts emphasize the importance of comprehensive patient care that addresses overall health, not just MS, as co-occurring conditions can impact long-term outcomes and potentially delay diagnosis.
