Steep rise in number of Scots living with MS
● Multiple sclerosis prevalence figure shows 15,000 living with the illness
One in every 300 people in Scotland are living with multiple sclerosis, new figures have revealed.
The research published by the MS Society has shown over a third more people – 36 per cent – are living with the disease than previously believed.
The number of people with the condition has risen to 15,000 from 11,000 north of the Border.
About 13 people are diagnosed with the disease every week on average amid claims fewer people with MS are receiving social care support and key welfare payments.
The number of people in Scotland living with multiple sclerosis is more than 35 per cent higher than was previously believed.
The MS prevalence figure, which measures the number of people with the condition has risen to 15,000 from 11,000, according to new research based on Public Health England data – published by the MS Society.
This new figure means one in every 300 people in Scotland is living with MS, with about 13 people diagnosed every week on average, and many struggling to get the help and support they need.
MS damages the body’s nerves and makes it harder for people to do everyday things, like walk, talk, eat and think. It can be relentless, painful and disabling.
Morna Simpkins, director of MS Society Scotland, said: “These new figures confirm what we already suspected – that there are many more people living with MS in Scotland than previously thought.
“While thenhs is getting better at diagnosing MS, unfortunately in many important ways society is getting worse at supporting people with the condition.
“Compared to just a few years ago, fewer people with MS receive social care support and key welfare payments – and we hear far too many stories of people struggling to stay in work without the adjustments they need.”
The new figures, which have been scrutinised by academics and leading MS clinicians, do not mean the risk of developing MS has increased. Instead, the rise is likely to be due to a number of factors, including an ageing MS population and better diagnostic methods, as well as improved recording of medical data.
Ms Simpkins added: “The Scottish Government’s neurological care and support framework provides an opportunity to create an expanded and sustainable social care system and we will continue to push to ensure that it leads to real change for people with MS.
“We now know that Scotland has a higher rate of MS than anywhere in the world and that underlines the need for action on care and support to guarantee that people diagnosed with the condition are able to access the help they need. MS Society Scotland is committed to supporting people and to finding effective treatments, and ultimately stopping MS.”
The other UK nations have seen similar increases, with Northern Ireland up to 4,500 from 3,200, Wales an increase to 5,500, up from 4,200, and England to 105,000, up from 90,500.