The Importance of Managing Modifiable Comorbidities in People with Multiple Sclerosis: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, inflammatory, degenerative demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) of unknown etiology that affects individuals in their early adulthood. In the last decade, life expectancy for people with MS (PwMS) has almost equaled that of the general population. This demographic shift necessitates a heightened awareness of comorbidities, especially the ones that can be prevented and modified, that can significantly impact disease progression and management. Vascular comorbidities are of particular interest as they are mostly modifiable health states, along with voluntary behaviors, such as smoking and alcohol consumption, commonly observed among individuals with MS. Vascular risk factors have also been implicated in the etiology of cerebral small vessel disease. Furthermore, differentiating between vascular and MS lesion load poses a significant challenge due to overlapping clinical and radiological features. This review describes the current evidence regarding the range of preventable and modifiable comorbidities and risk factors and their implications for PwMS.

Keywords: MS; comorbidities; disease-modifying therapies; personalized medicine.

Figure 1

Modifiable comorbidities and risk factors in people with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Figure 2

The complex interplay between modifiable risk factors and the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis.