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Multiple sclerosis decoded: 6 essential facts that could change your perspective

Globally, over 2.8 million people are living with multiple sclerosis (MS). Of those diagnosed, approximately 74% are women. This is an illustration image. Image: Pexels/ Shvets Production Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects over 2.8 million people globally, with women making up approximately 74% of those diagnosed. Yet, for many South Africans, the reality of living with MS remains a mystery. It's a condition that often goes unnoticed, leaving those affected struggling with symptoms that can feel isolating and misunderstood. Understanding MS is not just for those diagnosed - it's for their families, friends, and communities, too. By raising awareness, we can support and empower those living with MS while breaking down the stigma and misinformation that surrounds it. The Roche MS resource page shares six essential facts about MS that may change how you view this invisible illness: 1. The early symptoms of MS are often invisible, but they're real Imagine waking up one morning with blurry vision, unexplained fatigue, or numbness in your hands. These are some of the early symptoms of MS, and they're easy to dismiss as stress or exhaustion. But for those living with MS, these are signs of real neurological changes. Muscle weakness, clumsiness, balance issues, and even bladder problems are common early indicators. Unfortunately, many people delay seeking help, brushing these symptoms off as everyday challenges. This delay can impact treatment outcomes. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 2. MS primarily affects women, often during life's most demanding years MS doesn't have a convenient timeline. Most diagnoses occur between the ages of 20 and 50, the years when careers are built, families are started, and life feels most demanding. 3. Living well with MS means listening to your body There's no one-size-fits-all approach to MS. For some, yoga or other low-impact exercises help manage symptoms. Others find solace in prioritising mental health, rest, or nutrition. The key is education and empowerment. When you have access to the right information and resources, you can make choices that work for your unique journey. Listening to your body and adapting to its needs is the cornerstone of living well with MS. 4. Treatment options are advancing While there's no cure for MS, advancements in treatment are offering hope. Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) are designed to slow the progression of MS, reduce flare-ups, and improve long-term quality of life. The journey doesn't end with a diagnosis. Working closely with a healthcare provider to develop a treatment plan tailored to your goals can dramatically improve outcomes.