New research: Black people have a HIGHER risk of getting MS

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that targets the central nervous system, causing all sorts of neurological conditions that may worsen over time. And for the longest time, it wasn’t an issue.

Well, that is to say, many people thought it wasn’t an issue, because, for many people in the Black community, MS was strictly a “white” disease.

But now that thought is changing. Formerly believed to predominantly affect Caucasians, new research indicates that MS actually may hit blacks the hardest. In a recent Neurology study of 2.6 million adults in California, researchers reviewed electronic records coded for MS.

What they found was pretty surprising. By and large, Black women had the highest prevalence of any group stratified by sex and race. They faced significantly higher rates of the disease than Asian women, white women, and all racial groups of men.

Now, as these new findings gain the light of day, more science is beginning to peel back the layers of MS in the black community.

A shift in perspective

For a long while, MS was considered a “white” disease mostly because that’s what the research found. But what was the research actually looking at?

For one, many MS clinical trials lacked black participants. They mostly targeted people of European descent and often focused on the resources and treatments required for that subpopulation. Given these early conclusions, other issues also increased.

For instance, because it was believed black people weren’t really affected by MS, the health literacy surrounding the condition plummeted. Many healthcare professionals did not consider the possibility, often misdiagnosing similar conditions with similar symptoms.

Many medical experts developed an unconscious bias and discriminatory practice that furthered these false beliefs. Given historic medical ‘trust issues’ among the black community, the lack of transparency and integrity only worsened.

Nowadays, with new research and the latest scientific advancements, we’re learning a very different reality. Black folks not only struggle with MS but may face higher prevalence and severity than ever thought.

The genes of MS

Genetic research indicates that a person’s susceptibility to MS is impacted by multiple genes, many having to do with the immune system. This is why some studies find that black people actually have distinct genetic variations, variations that modulate their immune systems and inflammation rates.

In fact, some research even suggests that African descent triggers an autoimmune response, leading to more aggressive forms of the disease. One example is the HLADRB1 gene, which is associated with a higher risk of MS in multiple populations.

However, it doesn’t end there. Something called epigenetics, which helps explain how our genes interact with our environments, shows that black individuals may have unique interactions. It is believed that their particular genetic profile puts them at a higher likelihood of aggressive and severe MS progression.

Environment is always an important consideration.

Just consider the various roles things like vitamin D play in the development of MS. Many studies find that low levels of vitamin D are actually linked to higher rates of MS. Given that black skin requires more sun exposure to synthesize vitamin D, it’s no wonder these deficiencies may contribute to higher rates of MS. Then there are the socioeconomic factors, such as lack of healthcare access. This is another form of ‘environment,’ just one in which people live, travel, and work. For many black folks in marginalized communities, these health-adverse environments make it harder to get proper care.

That means a lack of medical check-ups, fewer neurologists, fewer medications, and fewer specialists who understand the unique black lived experience.

All of these combined only exacerbate the disease progression, while also making it more difficult to get a proper diagnosis in the first place.

Knowing the symptoms

As it turns out, black folks don’t merely have a higher risk of developing this disease, but they also often face more aggressive forms. This means that they may experience more frequent relapses, endure a quicker disability progression, and suffer more extensive brain and spine damage over time.

In other words, black patients with MS face a higher likelihood of severe and lasting issues. Unfortunately, this includes everything from motor impairment to balance issues and problems with mobility.

Research also indicates that black sufferers may have greater cognitive decline, which affects memory, attention span, and problem-solving ability.

Given this increased progression in black people with MS, understanding the specific symptom types is critical.

Let’s review them in all their categories:

Vision: Typically beginning with optic neuritis, sufferers may first notice pain and vision loss in one eye.

Muscles: Muscle stiffness, spasms, and weakness are also early indicators that MS may be the issue.

Sensations: Tingling and numbness are common issues among MS sufferers, usually impacting the torso, face, and limbs.

Balance/coordination: Many people with MS may also experience issues with balance and coordination, which can cause falls and difficulty moving.

Cognitive: As previously mentioned, cognitive decline is an unfortunate consequence of MS. It may involve significant impairments in the long term that affect memory, attention, and problem-solving.

Now of course, many of these symptoms can be found with other diseases too, which is why people should seek medical professionals as soon as possible. This will allow you to discern which medical condition may be the culprit, and get started on a treatment protocol early.

Science-backed management strategies

So remember: it’s not all bad news.

While many symptoms and struggles come with an MS diagnosis, they do not have to be the end of life as you know it.

Here are some ways that you can manage your disease progression and alleviate your symptoms:

Vitamin D: Vitamin D is crucial, and supplementing with this vital vitamin can make a world of difference. It improves overall immune system health, and is even a critical preventative measure.

Early screening: As soon as you encounter symptoms, it’s important to seek a neurologist. Even if the symptoms are only mild, you can slow disease progression and improve quality of life quickly.

MS-specific therapies: So-called disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) can reduce relapses and slow the development of the disease. These treatments, however, require regular neurologist follow-ups to ensure the specialized MS care is working.

Emotional/mental health support: In severe forms of the disease, it can be difficult to cope emotionally. The good news is, that many support groups, counseling, and therapy can make the road a lot smoother.

Community involvement: Given the lack of awareness and education in black communities, fostering a culture of care is critical. Public health initiatives can provide critical resources to empower those affected.

Overall, treating MS is about taking a multi-pronged approach. It’s about understanding disparities in certain populations and bridging the gap in treatment and care. In black populations, especially, many myths and misconceptions exist.

Fortunately, by learning more about these barriers and increasing access to quality healthcare, things can change. As researchers and doctors continue to uncover the complexities of this disease, black populations can get the outcomes they deserve.

Hopefully, in the end, this will pave the way for an improved healthcare system that is more inclusive, responsive, and effective.