Multiple Sclerosis is seen to occur in different ages, commonly in people ages twenty to forty years. Different variants of multiple sclerosis affect different age groups, Pediatric multiple sclerosis is seen to occur in those under eighteen years of age. With symptoms of fatigue, exhaustion, difficulties in vision and physical activity, and loss of balance. Other variants of multiple sclerosis include, Relapsing-remitting MS, Secondary-progressive MS, Primary-progressive MS, and Progressive-relapsing MS. These are typically seen in middle age groups however it is still possible for multiple sclerosis to be diagnosed in older age groups. It is more likely for younger age groups to get MS. This is due to several factors like immune system development, in younger ages immune system activity and regulation is higher which decreases the chance of developing multiple sclerosis. Additionally younger ages have different environmental exposures based on activities like smoking, they have hormonal changes, and are constantly experiencing neurological development. Women have a higher multiple sclerosis risk especially due to factors like puberty and menstruation which can influence the chances of disease.
Multiple sclerosis in different ages have additional effects. For older age groups who have multiple sclerosis they may experience mobility limitations due to issues like increasing bone density and the chances of bone fractures. Additionally fatigue and exhaustion may become more extreme and difficult for older ages, and they may develop bladder and bowel dysfunction, like urinary urgency and constipation which can lead to serious issues and hospitalization. Older aged people also have more chances of losing memory and have less processing speed, leading to bigger issues like dementia. Younger aged, multiple sclerosis affected individuals can experience similar effects however a bit toned down. Including fatigue and muscle weakness, decreasing attention span, imbalance of hormones which can deeply affect their relationships and behavior with others. Additionally this can prove long term difficulties like making education hard for younger people to receive.
In order to reduce these effects there are many options. Medications are commonly used treatment plans for addressing these effects, including Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) which can slow the effects of multiple sclerosis and reduce symptoms like bladder dysfunction and low muscle tones. Additionally physical therapy is a used option to improve balance and coordination to delay the effects of physical mobility. Different supplements can also be taken to increase brain function and activity to make mental activities easier and less draining. Overall multiple sclerosis has multiple effects and can prove very draining to different ages and it is imperative to treat it as soon as possible.
Works Cited
"Aging With Multiple Sclerosis: Age-Related Factors and Socioeconomic Risks." PubMed Central (PMC), www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8965716/.
"How Age Affects Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms and Progression." EverydayHealth.com, 16 Dec. 2008, www.everydayhealth.com/multiple-sclerosis/symptoms/multiple-sclerosis-age-progression/.
Sagepub. "Aging and Multiple Sclerosis." Sagepub, journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1352458516634871.
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