Clinical Report: Trends in Multiple Sclerosis in Denmark (1950–2023)
Overview
This study analyzed 28,145 Danish multiple sclerosis (MS) patients from 1950 to 2023, revealing an overall increase in mean age of the MS population to 54.2 years by 2023. The female proportion rose from 58.7% in 1975 to 68.5% in 2023, while incidence increased until 2000 and then stabilized, with prevalence continuing to rise, especially among females.
Background
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic immune-mediated disease affecting the central nervous system with significant clinical and societal impact. Understanding demographic changes such as age and sex distribution is critical for healthcare planning and optimizing treatment strategies. Advances in MS treatment and diagnostics, along with increased life expectancy, have led to the hypothesis that the MS population is aging, though empirical evidence has been limited. This study leverages comprehensive Danish registries to examine longitudinal demographic trends in MS over seven decades.
Data Highlights
Parameter
Value/Trend
Number of MS patients included
28,145
Mean age (peak in 2023)
54.2 years
Female proportion in 1975
58.7%
Female proportion in 2000
65.7%
Female proportion in 2023
68.5%
Incidence per 100,000 (stable until 1975)
~3.5
Incidence per 100,000 in 2000
11.4
Incidence trend 2000–2022
Relatively stable with slight decrease in 2022
Prevalence trend
Increasing overall, especially among females
Key Findings
The mean age of the Danish MS population increased from approximately 52.5 years in the late 1970s to a peak of 54.2 years in 2023, with a slight dip around 2005.
The proportion of females with MS rose steadily from 58.7% in 1975 to 68.5% in 2023.
MS incidence was stable at about 3.5 per 100,000 until 1975, then increased more than threefold to 11.4 per 100,000 by 2000.
From 2000 to 2022, incidence remained relatively stable with a slight decrease noted in 2022.
Prevalence of MS increased over time, particularly among females, reflecting both rising incidence and improved survival.
Clinical Implications
The observed aging of the MS population underscores the need for healthcare systems to adapt services to meet the complex needs of older patients with MS. The increasing female predominance and stable incidence rates suggest that sex-specific factors and environmental exposures may influence disease epidemiology. Continued surveillance of incidence and prevalence trends is essential for resource allocation and planning of MS care and support services.
Conclusion
This comprehensive nationwide study confirms a gradual increase in the mean age and female proportion of the Danish MS population over seven decades, with incidence stabilizing in recent years. These findings provide a valuable benchmark for future epidemiological and clinical research in MS.
References
Danish Multiple Sclerosis Registry et al. 2023 -- Trends in Multiple Sclerosis in Denmark (1950–2023): Analysis of Age, Gender Distribution, Incidence, and Prevalence
