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MS Prevalence

Nearly one million people are living with MS in the United States, more than twice the original estimate.

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Society President and CEO Cyndi Zagieboylo shares what this means for the MS Movement.

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DEFINITIONS

Prevalence = the number of people living with a diagnosis of MS at a particular point in time, in a particular place.

Incidence = the number of people NEWLY diagnosed with MS within a given period of time.

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Prevalence of MS More Than Doubles Estimate

A new study funded by the National MS Society has confirmed that nearly one million people are living with MS in the United States, more than twice the original estimate from a previous study. This breakthrough is a pivotal moment in the MS movement as a scientifically sound measure of prevalence helps us better understand the disease and its impact. With twice as many people living with MS, solutions for MS are now twice as important.

In addition to the main paper outlining these results, two companion papers providing background information on prevalence in the U.S. and reviewing the study methods were also published in the February 15, 2019, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

Twice as Many People Now Need Solutions and a Cure

Until we end this disease forever, we will do whatever it takes to accelerate breakthroughs. Whether you are one of the one million people living with MS or want to make a difference for someone who is, we need you to join us.

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We Are a Movement By and For People Affected by MS

We’ve taken what we’ve heard from thousands of people affected by MS – and we asked ourselves: Who are we at our core? What do we believe? And who do we aspire to be for people affected by MS? Here’s what we came up with. This is our promise to you.

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