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Updated: Nov 17, 2025

Comprehensive Autopsy Program for Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis
09:41

Comprehensive Autopsy Program for Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis

Published on: July 19, 2019

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Multiple sclerosis and aging: comorbidity and treatment challenges

Aiora Ostolaza1, Jon Corroza1, Teresa Ayuso1

  • 1Department of Neurology, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra-IdiSNA (Navarra Institute for Health Research), Pamplona, Navarra, 31008, Spain.

Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders
|February 13, 2021
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Elderly patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) face increased risks from comorbidities. Discontinuing disease-modifying treatment may be safe for older MS patients with no active disease.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Geriatrics
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Multiple sclerosis (MS) prevalence is rising in the elderly population.
  • Age-related comorbidities significantly impact MS patient characteristics and prognosis.
  • The review focuses on challenges in diagnosing and treating MS in older adults.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the characteristics of elderly MS patients.
  • To understand the effects of comorbidities on MS in older adults.
  • To assess medication impact and treatment discontinuation safety in this demographic.

Main Methods:

  • PubMed searches conducted in October 2020.
  • Included studies focused on the impact of age and comorbidities in MS patients.

Main Results:

  • Comorbidities like cardiovascular disease, psychiatric disorders, diabetes, and cancer increase mortality risk in MS patients.
  • MS is linked to cognitive impairment, with unclear etiopathogenic mechanisms.
  • Current disease-modifying treatments lack assessed safety and efficacy in elderly populations; benefits may be limited in non-inflammatory cases.

Conclusions:

  • Age-related comorbidities and clinical variations complicate MS diagnosis and treatment in the elderly.
  • Discontinuing disease-modifying treatment may be a safe option for elderly MS patients exhibiting no clinico-radiological activity.
Keywords:
Multiple sclerosisageingcomorbiditiesdisease-modifying treatmentlate-onset multiple sclerosis

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