Comorbidity in multiple sclerosis: Past, present and future

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory and degenerative condition affecting the central nervous system. Like many neurologic diseases, it is chronic and incurable, and confers a substantial burden on affected individuals, their families and society. Although many individuals suffering from a serious chronic disease also suffer from comorbid conditions, the important consequences of their interaction often receive little attention. This was particularly true for MS two decades ago. Broadening our perspective by better understanding the effects of comorbidity on an individual with a particular chronic disease offers us an opportunity to improve understanding of prognosis, personalize disease management, develop new therapeutic approaches and illuminate the pathophysiology of disease.

Studies examining the incidence, prevalence and outcomes related to comorbidity in MS will be discussed, along with areas requiring further investigation.

Comorbidity is highly prevalent in MS throughout the disease course. Comorbid conditions, including depression, anxiety, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes and chronic lung disease, adversely affect a broad range of outcomes. Less is known about the effects of MS on outcomes related to these comorbid conditions. These findings highlight an urgent need to determine how to best prevent and treat comorbidity in MS.