Multiple Sclerosis Mortality Trends Reveal Care Gaps in the USA

Key Points

• • Multiple sclerosis mortality in the U.S. increased between 2012 and 2023 despite advances in disease-modifying therapies.
  • Black patients with MS experienced higher mortality rates and died at younger ages than White patients.
  • Hypertension and cardiac arrest became increasingly common coexisting conditions in MS-related deaths.
  • Geographic differences showed the highest mortality rates in northern and midwestern U.S. states.
  • Researchers emphasize comprehensive cardiovascular care, timely diagnosis, and reducing healthcare disparities to improve long-term outcomes.
  • For More Updates in Neurology or Cardiology, register for the ISCC2026 or ANS2026

Multiple Sclerosis Mortality Trends Highlight Need for Comprehensive Patient Care

Multiple sclerosis mortality continues to rise in the United States, highlighting the growing importance of comprehensive patient care beyond disease-specific treatment. A new study published in Neurology analyzed more than 42,000 MS-related deaths over 12 years and found notable disparities based on race, age, geography, and coexisting cardiovascular conditions. The findings suggest that healthcare professionals should prioritize early diagnosis, cardiovascular risk management, and equitable access to care alongside modern MS therapies.

Researchers from the Keck School of Medicine of USC, the University of Kentucky, and the University of Virginia examined national mortality data to better understand the changing landscape of MS-related deaths. While disease-modifying therapies have improved outcomes for many patients, mortality rates continue to increase, emphasizing the need for a broader clinical approach.

Why Are Multiple Sclerosis Mortality Rates Increasing?

The research evaluated 42,205 death certificates from the CDC WONDER database covering 2012 through 2023. Investigators found that age-adjusted mortality rates increased across nearly every age group despite therapeutic advances.

One of the most significant findings involved racial disparities. Black individuals experienced the highest MS-related mortality rates and reached peak mortality between ages 65 and 74, whereas White patients most commonly died between ages 75 and 84. Among Hispanic populations, mortality increased primarily among women between ages 45 and 84.

The study also identified regional differences, with the highest mortality rates occurring across several northern and midwestern states, including Wyoming, Oregon, Utah, Nebraska, Kansas, Minnesota, Michigan, New Hampshire, and Maine. Researchers note that healthcare access, demographic factors, and disease prevalence may all contribute to these geographic patterns.

Key Clinical Insight: Managing cardiovascular risk factors may significantly improve long-term outcomes for people living with multiple sclerosis.

How Do Cardiovascular Conditions Affect Multiple Sclerosis Outcomes?

The study found a steady rise in MS-related deaths involving hypertension between 2019 and 2023, particularly among Black and White patients. Deaths associated with cardiac arrest also increased during 2019–2022, reinforcing the close relationship between cardiovascular health and MS outcomes.

According to lead investigator Dr. Lilyana Amezcua, many accompanying health conditions are preventable or manageable through comprehensive care. Rather than focusing exclusively on neurological symptoms, clinicians should routinely screen for cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and other chronic conditions that may worsen long-term prognosis.

Researchers also noted that cardiovascular disease can complicate MS diagnosis because vascular brain changes may resemble MS lesions on neuroimaging. Improving imaging techniques and diagnostic pathways may help reduce delays, particularly among racial and ethnic minority populations, where previous research has shown diagnosis can be delayed by as much as 10 years.

What Do These Findings Mean for Healthcare Professionals?

The findings reinforce the importance of multidisciplinary care for patients with multiple sclerosis. Neurologists, primary care physicians, cardiologists, nurses, and rehabilitation specialists all play an essential role in improving patient outcomes through coordinated management of both neurological disease and cardiovascular health.

For More Updates in Neurology or Cardiology, register for the ISCC2026 CME Conference

As research continues to investigate the causes of delayed diagnosis and persistent mortality disparities, healthcare systems may benefit from strategies that combine earlier detection, proactive cardiovascular screening, and equitable access to specialty care. These measures could help reduce preventable complications and improve survival among individuals living with multiple sclerosis.

Source:

Keck School of Medicine of USC