Lack of public awareness on MS

By Catherine Shanahan

OVER half the population mistakenly believes Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is fatal, a survey into awareness of the condition has found. Over half of those interviewed (54%) either did not believe or did not know MS was treatable, including 52% of those with relatives or friends suffering from the condition.

Over 40% of respondents believed those with MS couldn’t work. The research reveals the disease is widely misunderstood and among the most common misconceptions is that MS sufferers are wheelchair-bound.

However, the authors of the research Schering AG claim the reality is many people have relatively mild MS, cope readily with their condition and never develop severe disabilities.

The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Ireland welcomed the research.

“Often we find MS is not understood and we are constantly striving to change this. Our aim is to help people affected by MS to live full lives,” said MS Ireland CEO Michael Dineen.

MS is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system.

Its cause is not known but it is thought environmental and genetic factors are involved.