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Review
. 2024 Apr;24(4):83-93.
doi: 10.1007/s11910-024-01333-2. Epub 2024 Feb 28.

The Impact of Aging on Multiple Sclerosis

Christopher E Goyne  1 , Ashley E Fair  1 , Paige E Sumowski  1 , Jennifer S Graves  2
Affiliations
Review

The Impact of Aging on Multiple Sclerosis

Christopher E Goyne et al. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep. 2024 Apr.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, immune-mediated demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system. Age is one of the most important factors in determining MS phenotype. This review provides an overview of how age influences MS clinical characteristics, pathology, and treatment.

Recent findings: New methods for measuring aging have improved our understanding of the aging process in MS. New studies have characterized the molecular and cellular composition of chronic active or smoldering plaques in MS. These lesions are important contributors to disability progression in MS. These studies highlight the important role of immunosenescence and the innate immune system in sustaining chronic inflammation. Given these changes in immune function, several studies have assessed optimal treatment strategies in aging individuals with MS. MS phenotype is intimately linked with chronologic age and immunosenescence. While there are many unanswered questions, there has been much progress in understanding this relationship which may lead to more effective treatments for progressive disease.

Keywords: Activated microglia; Aging; Biologic age; Immunosenescence; Multiple sclerosis; Relapse free progression.

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References

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