25th June 2009

Numbers of people with MS higher than previously estimated

The MS Society has funded a study of GP records, which provides an accurate estimate of the number of people living with a diagnosis of MS in the UK. The results show that there is likely to be around 100,000 people with MS in the UK - a 20 per cent increase on previous estimates of 85,000 people. The revised figure has major implications for health and social services and the study is a precursor to a pilot MS Register, which will provide much more information on exactly how MS affects individuals.

Knowing how many people have MS is important so that health and social services can provide the right types of care and support. In many areas of the country people do not currently have access to all the nursing care, drugs and treatment regime that they so desperately need.

Read the full Strength in Numbers briefing document here

Download the Strength in Numbers campaign leaflet here

(Source – MS Society website)

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