Living with multiple sclerosis in Europe

At least 700,000 people in Europe have multiple sclerosis (MS). More than one million people are affected through their role as carers and family members.

MS can occur at any time in life, but affects people most frequently between the ages of 20 and 40. After traffic accidents, MS is the greatest cause of disability in young people. More women than men are affected by a ratio of 3:2. There still is no cure for MS.

MS affects people in very different ways – from mild symptoms to major disability. But as a general rule it changes people’s lives. The disease has many implications, going far beyond the physical symptoms. For instance, half of the people with MS leave their jobs three years after diagnosis.

But what if they all had better opportunities? Watch our video on living with MS in Europe. 

More and more people diagnosed

According to recent research published in the European Journal of Neuroscience, the number of people living with MS in Europe has increased. This is likely to be attributed mainly to new diagnostic criteria which allow the disease to be detected earlier. There has also been important, recent progress in brain imaging.

MS occurs with variable frequency between countries, though it is most frequent in Northern latitudes as shown in the table below.

For more recent figures and statistics please find the 2013 version of EMSP's MS Barometer here. 

In addition, find MS factsheets for 28 European countries here.  

Show/Hide Table 1 People living with MS in Europe (2011)

Disparities in treatment and therapies across Europe

The approach to treatments and care varies substantially throughout Europe. Disease-modifying treatments can help to slow down the progression of MS for many years, but depending on where you live, you will, or will not be entitled to such medication.

Show/Hide Table 2 Percentage of people with MS receiving disease-modifying treatment (2011)

People with MS tend to face a range of symptoms, and a great deal can be done to relieve them. But again, different countries offer variable access to symptomatic care.

Show/Hide Table 3 Access to symptom-relieving treatment (2011)

Rehabilitation can help people with MS carry on with their daily lives, for instance after a severe relapse.

If you live in Germany, Iceland or Croatia, it is likely that you will get access to such services. But if you live in Belgium or Belarus, there is a strong likelihood that you won’t.

Show/Hide Table 4 Access to rehabilitation (2011)

The MS Barometer provides insight on discrepancies in health and social care in Europe and on the situation for people with MS. For instance, it highlights whether or not people have relatively easy access to a neurologist and whether or not they are likely to be able to continue working after their diagnosis.

For the full findings:
http://www.emsp.org/projects/ms-id/160-ms-barometer-2011

A costly disease

The impact of MS on European healthcare systems is considerable. Patients develop neurological disabilities of various types and intensity, with 10-15% requiring a wheelchair or becoming bedridden. On the other hand, around 20% maintain their professional and social activities for many years or even until the end of their lives. 

Regardless of the symptoms they are facing, people with MS require health and social support. Costs have increased in recent years due to the new and more expensive treatment options that have become available.

Show/Hide Table 5 Annual cost per person with MS (2010)

Time to act now

Neurological disorders such as MS present a challenge for the people affected, as well as for their carers and families. They also present a considerable social and economic cost to Europe’s economy.

A recent study conducted by the European Brain Council (see EBC study) estimated that the major brain diseases in Europe cost up to 800 billion euros per year. This figure is also used by the European Federation of Neurological Associations (EFNA) in their awareness-raising campaigns. MS is amongst the most costly of brain diseases - with a toll of 15 billion euros per year - and the financial burden is expected to increase significantly in the coming years. This is only one of the reasons why it is necessary to act now in order to curb this increase and, if possible, reverse the trend.

In order to realise the aim of improving the quality of life for people with MS and to ultimately beat the disease, we need better research, high quality care and improved access to employment.