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MS in the Hispanic/Latinx Community

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DIAGNOSED IN 2012

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Prevalence of multiple sclerosis among Hispanic/Latinx

Researchers used to believe that Hispanics/Latinx in the United States were virtually untouched by multiple sclerosis. A recent study funded by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society that analyzed information from health insurance claims found that anyone can develop MS.

After evaluating 3 years’ of claims by 96 million adults, researchers found that for every 100,000 in the U.S., 161.2 Hispanics/Latinx have MS. Among people who are not Hispanic/Latinx, the prevalence is 374.8 for white people and 298.4 for Black people.

Symptoms of MS in Hispanics

Studies have found that, compared to others with the disease, Hispanics/Latinx are diagnosed at a much younger age and are more likely to have more severe MS and an earlier onset of symptoms, such as mobility issues and optic neuritis.

Also, a study indicates that due to several individual and institutional barriers, relatively few people of color participate in clinical trials, so when therapies are approved, information about their impact is limited.

Stories from people with MS

Read about the impact of MS on others, what they do to control their symptoms and how they live their best life with the disease.

Sharing My Family’s MS Experience

Multiple sclerosis became part of Gloria Estefan’s family life after her father was diagnosed when she was a teenager. The singer reflects on how far we’ve come.

Read Her Story

Read Her Story

Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number

Crystal Bedoya’s life changed at 11 with MS symptoms. In addition to dealing with her diagnosis, she helped her Spanish-speaking parents understand her doctors.

Read Her Story

Read Her Story

Resources for Hispanics/Latinx living with multiple sclerosis

We offer information in English and Spanish through webpages, booklets, an annual summit and webinars featuring experts on different aspects of the disease.

Ask an MS Expert: Faces of MS

The program series Ask an MS Expert is also offered in Spanish. Here, Dr. Mitzi Williams and host Jon Strum discuss healthcare access and resources for everyone affected by MS.

Watch the Video

Watch the Video

Connect With the Hispanic/Latinx Community

In this annual virtual program in English and Spanish, speakers talk about issues of importance to the community, and people affected by MS share their experiences, connect with others and discover new resources.

Watch Sessions

Watch Sessions

Cultural barriers to healthcare

Spanish speakers often face language barriers in hospitals and doctors’ offices. Among the obstacles for the community are cultural differences, lack of healthcare access and immigration issues. The Society is doubling up its efforts to offer much-needed resources.

Obstacles to Access

Hispanics/Latinx with MS are calling for health equity. Advocates propose increasing the number of interpreters and access to Spanish-speaking healthcare providers, as well as cultural competency training.

Read the Article

Read the Article

Get involved in MS research for the Hispanic community

Greater participation in research would offer a clearer picture of the impact of MS on Hispanics/Latinx. Investigators want to find out about social, cultural and genetic factors that may play a role in the disease. This will allow us to make changes that improve our health outcomes.

Race and MS

Knowledge of MS can contribute to early diagnosis and treatment of the disease, which lead to better outcomes. Since there is no blood test or single genetic marker to diagnose it, experts want to raise awareness, particularly among certain groups.

 

Read the Article

Read the Article

Make a Difference Through Research

If you’re interested in helping to determine which treatments are best and how to reduce MS risk in the community, find ongoing studies. For answers to questions you may have, read Participating in Clinical Trials: A Guide for People With MS.

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Watch the Video

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If you or somone close to you has recently been diagnosed, access our MS information and resources.

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