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Trends in prevalence and incidence of multiple sclerosis in the Israeli Jewish and Arab populations

Ronen Spierer1, Maha Hurani1, Nili Stein2

  • 1Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Center, Department of Neurology, Lady Davis Carmel Medical Center, Haifa, Israel.

Journal of the Neurological Sciences
|October 11, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is increasing in Israel. Notably, MS incidence rose sharply in Israeli Arab females, possibly due to lifestyle shifts like urbanization and obesity.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Global rise in multiple sclerosis (MS) prevalence and incidence.
  • Previous studies indicated lower MS rates in Israeli Arabs compared to Israeli Jews.
  • Need to update epidemiological data for Israel's diverse populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate trends in MS prevalence and incidence in Israel over the last decade.
  • To analyze these trends stratified by sex and ethnicity.
  • To compare current MS rates across different demographic groups in Israel.

Main Methods:

  • Population-based study using the Clalit Health Services (CHS) database.
  • Utilized a validated algorithm to identify individuals with MS.
  • Analyzed MS prevalence and incidence data from 2010 to 2021, stratified by sex and ethnicity.

Main Results:

  • MS prevalence in Israel increased from 65 to 95 per 100,000 people (2010-2021).
  • MS incidence rose from 3.6 to 5.2 per 100,000 people annually (2010-2021).
  • While MS prevalence remained higher in Israeli Jews, incidence in Israeli Arab females significantly increased, nearing rates seen in Israeli Jewish females.

Conclusions:

  • Both MS prevalence and incidence are on the rise in Israel.
  • A significant increase in MS incidence among Israeli Arab females was observed.
  • Potential contributing factors include lifestyle changes such as urbanization, declining birth rates, and increasing childhood obesity.
Keywords:
EpidemiologyIncidence, prevalenceMultiple sclerosis

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