Is MS An Inherited Disease?

Today on the blog, I’d like to address a heavier topic - inheritance of MS. For loved ones watching a family member experience MS symptoms, it can be scary wondering if this disease will be passed down to them as well. Over my years as a physical therapist working with MS, I’ve learned to focus on not physical health alone, but the emotional wellness of my clients and their entire support system. 

Without any further introduction, let’s break down the question: is MS an inherited disease? Although there is no true one-size-fits-all answer, I want to help ease any anxiety that may come from being a family member of someone experiencing MS.

What is Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?

Before we discuss if MS can be inherited, let’s take a step back for those of you who might not understand what this disease actually involves. Multiple Sclerosis (MS for short) is a tricky condition that affects the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. 

When someone is diagnosed with MS, it means their immune system is confused and starts wrongfully attacking the protective covering of your nerve fibers, called myelin. This can cause a lot of symptoms to occur, from trouble walking to issues with vision, memory, and thinking.

Although the disease that is MS sounds very scary, and sometimes it can be, the important thing to remember is anyone who experiences it can be in control of their symptoms through exercise, nutrition, and other holistic approaches or therapies. During each session with my clients, I focus on ensuring they feel supported through the ups and downs, understanding they are in the driver’s seat, not MS.

Is MS An Inherited Disease?

The short answer? It's complicated. While genetics definitely play a role in MS, it's not the whole story. If one of your close family members, like a parent or sibling, has MS, your risk of developing it is higher than someone without a family history. But—and this is a big but—most people with a family member experiencing MS will never get the disease themselves. In fact, the MS Society has reported only 2-3% of MS is hereditary.

Unfortunately, there is no one 100% true answer I can give on if MS is due to inheritance alone, but I encourage routine wellness check-ins if you are at higher risk, just to make sure preventative measures are taken as quickly as possible.

How to Mitigate MS Symptoms if You Are at Risk

One of the number one questions I receive from my client’s loved ones is if there are current actions they can take to mitigate any future MS symptoms. The answer is yes, there are many things you can do to help mitigate MS symptoms.

Here are the recommendations I give not to just clients and loved ones, but anyone trying to focus on being in control of their overall wellness.

1. Stay Active: I’m sure you’ve heard this from every doctor you can remember, but it’s the truth.  Regular exercise is not only good for your overall health, but is key for managing MS symptoms. It helps improve strength, balance, and mood, all of which can make living with MS a bit easier. I’ve linked my favorite activity tools I recommend to all my clients here.
2. Eat Well: A healthy diet can do wonders for your body, including reducing inflammation and supporting your immune system - all key factors to maintaining comfortability with MS. While there's no specific "MS diet," focusing on whole foods like fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and healthy fats can't hurt. Most importantly, find a well-rounded routine you can stick to and enjoy.
3. Manage Stress: Stress plays such a crucial role in our lives and can be a huge factor in calming MS symptoms. Finding ways to relax and unwind is key. Whether it's through meditation, yoga, or spending time with loved ones, find what works for you and make it a priority.
4. Get Plenty of Sleep: Sleep! So many of my clients do not sleep enough! This is crucial for everyone, but especially for those with MS. Poor sleep can worsen symptoms like fatigue and cognitive issues, so aim for 7-9 hours each night.
5. Listen to Your Body: Perhaps the most important tip of all—listen to your body. If something doesn't feel right, don't ignore it. The same way I’m sure you help your loved one advocate for their MS symptoms, ensure you are listening to your own body as well. Although it can be easier to ignore how you feel, the earlier you address what’s going on, the better.
6. Do Not Smoke: The number one thing neurologists recommend is avoiding smoking at all costs, due to its tendency to speed up cognitive decline in the brain. This can result in dizziness, memory loss, fatigue, and blurred vision. That being said, quitting smoking prevents this from happening, even one year after.

Do Not Fear An MS Diagnosis

While genetics may play a role in MS, it doesn’t have to dictate your life. By taking proactive steps to care for your body and mind, you can help reduce the likelihood of MS symptoms and live a life without fear. 

If you’re struggling with anxiety around potential symptoms and having a loved one with MS, I understand and wrote The MSing Link to help. Think of it not as a book, but a guide for anyone and everyone looking to understood and gain back control of the MS symptoms they fear.