MS, more common among women

MS, or multiple sclerosis, is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the central nervous system. In 1940, two out of three with the condition were women but by the year 2000, that figure went up to four out of five. "We also need to ask the general questions about what women do differently than men, such as use of hair dye and cosmetics that may block vitamin D absorption," said Dr Gary Cutter, from the University of Alabama in Birmingham. In another study, researchers also found the largest increase in the ratio of women to men has been for those whose MS started at younger ages. MS can cause a variety of symptoms, including changes in sensation, visual problems, muscle weakness, depression, difficulties with coordination and speech, severe fatigue, cognitive impairment, problems with balance, overheating and pain. MS will cause impaired mobility and disability in more severe cases. MS is the most common disabling neurological condition affecting young adults; it is an autoimmune condition - meaning the immune system mistakes the body's own tissue for an infectious foreign body, and attacks it. MGP/SF/BGH
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