Autoimmune condition
Life expectancy with multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune condition affecting the nervous system. Its course varies widely between individuals.
What the research suggests
Research associates multiple sclerosis with a modest reduction in average life expectancy, often cited as several years, though the range is wide and many people live a near-typical lifespan. Disease-modifying treatments introduced in recent decades may improve the outlook compared with older data.
What changes the outlook
Disease course, mobility, and management of complications influence outlook. General health measures and staying active within ability help.
What helps
- Disease-modifying therapy where appropriate
- Staying active within ability
- Managing complications
- General cardiovascular health
Estimate your own range
Answer around a dozen short questions and get a five-year age range based on your profile. It takes about two minutes.
Start the estimatorCommon questions
Does multiple sclerosis reduce life expectancy?
Research associates multiple sclerosis with a modest reduction in average life expectancy, often cited as several years, though the range is wide and many people live a near-typical lifespan. Disease-modifying treatments introduced in recent decades may improve the outlook compared with older data.
What improves the outlook with multiple sclerosis?
Disease course, mobility, and management of complications influence outlook. General health measures and staying active within ability help.
Can I get a personal estimate?
This tool gives a statistical estimate as a five-year range based on your overall profile, including multiple sclerosis alongside your other answers. It is not a prediction. For personal medical guidance, speak to a GP or specialist.