Choosing a Disease Modifying Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis and Veterans (MS & Vets)

Choosing a Disease Modifying Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis

13 de nov. de 2023 · 24m 25s

Descripción

All people with MS should discuss taking a disease modifying therapy (DMT) with their MS provider. When offered, most people with MS choose to take them. Fortunately, we now have...

mostra más

All people with MS should discuss taking a disease modifying therapy (DMT) with their MS provider. When offered, most people with MS choose to take them. Fortunately, we now have several DMTs that slow the course of MS. These medications have all been proven to benefit people with MS in well-designed large studies. Because DMTs, like any medication, come with risks, people with MS must decide for themselves. Join Dr. Kayla Martin to better understand your DMT options.

mostra menos

Comentarios

Inicia sesión para dejar un comentario

Veterans Health Administration

hace 7 meses

Thanks for reaching out and your question. It’s a good one! Yes in general, DMTs are less effective in people over 50. This is because MS activity in terms of relapses and new MRI lesions seems to slow down in later years for most people. Also, DMTs do not treat slowly progressive symptoms and any age. There are a few clinical trials about stopping DMT in people older than 50 and 55 that suggest it is safe to do so with very few people having new relapses after stopping their DMT. If you haven’t had any new MS clinical attacks or new MRI lesions for over 5 years, you could discuss a trial off your therapy with MRI monitoring for new lesions. The MS Centers of Excellence are coming out with some guidance about de-escalating and discontinuing DMTs soon. Stay tuned!

Veronica Badddine

hace 7 meses

I too share Hollis Coleman's concerns on age and DMTs for people with MS over the age of 70.

Hollis Landon Coleman

hace 7 meses

Is it true that after a person with MS reaches over 50 years of age that DMT's no longer become effective in reducing the progression and/or effects of MS? I am 73 years old, no new lesions on spine or in brain areas in my last MRI, 1 year ago, full scan of the spine and brain.