5 Facts Employers Need to Know About Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a complex and unpredictable condition that affects the central nervous system, impacting millions of people worldwide. While MS can affect anyone—regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity—it is most commonly diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50. Managing MS requires a comprehensive approach that includes disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), lifestyle changes, and ongoing support.

For employers, understanding MS is crucial to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace. Symptoms can vary widely and are often invisible, making it difficult to know if an employee is living with MS unless they choose to disclose. By fostering awareness and providing resources, employers can help employees with MS thrive both personally and professionally.

In this blog, we’ll explore what MS is, how it affects individuals, and the role employers can play in supporting their teams. We’ll also highlight the importance of accessible treatments, lifestyle interventions, and the invaluable resources the National MS Society has to offer.

MS Can Affect Anyone

MS is a condition that can impact anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background, with a wide range of contributing factors and a global reach.

• Typically diagnosed between 20 and 50, although pediatric-onset and late-onset are possible.
• Affects 2.8 million people worldwide and about 1 million people in the U.S.
• Affects people of all genders and ethnic backgrounds.
• While the exact cause is unknown, several environmental, genetic, and familial factors contribute to its occurrence, including age, low Vitamin D level, smoking, obesity in adolescence, Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) exposure.

MS Affects Everyone Differently

MS is a complex condition that impacts the central nervous system, manifesting uniquely in each individual with a wide range of symptoms and severity levels.

• MS symptoms vary from person to person depending on where inflammation and damage is present in the central nervous system. Some common symptoms include vision issues, numbness or tingling, fatigue, vertigo, and dizziness.
• MS symptoms can be invisible, so you may not know an employee has MS until they disclose.
• Severity levels vary and can’t be predicted.

DMTs are a Cornerstone of Managing MS 

While research is bringing us closer to a cure for MS, a wide range of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) and lifestyle strategies provide powerful tools to manage the condition and enhance quality of life.

• DMTs are a key to managing MS effectively and there are 20+ DMTs available to manage relapsing forms of MS. 

• Medications come in the form of self-injectable, oral, or infusible routes of administration with various frequency of administration ranging from twice daily to annually.
• Many factors play a role in influencing the shared decision-making process between an individual living with MS and their healthcare team, including patient-related factors such as pregnancy and comorbidities, and drug-related factors such as route of administration and cost.
• Management of MS requires a comprehensive approach. In addition to treatment with a DMT, there are lifestyle interventions, healthy behaviors and preventive health measures that can help employees manage their disease, including: eating well, exercising, not smoking, engaging in ongoing preventive care, managing other conditions well, sleeping well, and managing stress.

Expanding Medication Access and Reducing Costs

While the cost of DMTs can vary from individual to individual, the advent of generics has provided additional options over the last few years. Goals of generic medications are to:

• Increase access to treatment
• Increase competition in the market
• Decrease costs within the healthcare system for employers, payers, and employees
• Drive down costs realized by the individual

Empowering Lives: How NMSS Supports Those Living with MS

The National MS Society offers invaluable resources to help employees with MS live their best lives. From personalized support to comprehensive programs, the National MS Society empowers individuals to navigate their journey with MS with confidence.

Here are some key resources:

• MS Navigator: Personalized support to guide individuals through their MS journey. Learn more. 
• Programs and Services: A wide range of support resources tailored to meet the needs of those living with MS. Explore programs.
  ‍

^{This post was authored by Sarah Anderson, PharmD, NBC-HWC}

^{Sarah Anderson is the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Senior Director of Clinical Resources & Programming and holds a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Minnesota. Prior to joining the Society, Sarah developed the Pharmacist Coach role within the Clinical Services department at Virgin Pulse and served as the Coaching Team Manager for Pharmacist and Nurse Coaches. Before her time at Virgin Pulse, Sarah was the Pharmaceutical Outcomes Clinical Manager at Medica Health Plans, focusing on the development and oversight of clinical programs. Sarah’s mother lived with primary progressive MS for 30 years.}