Prevalence of multiple sclerosis and disease-modifying therapy use in older adults in the United States, 2011-2021.

BACKGROUND

With advances in disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) are living longer.

OBJECTIVE

This study examined MS prevalence and DMT use among older adults 65 years and above in the United States.

METHODS

The study analyzed 2011-2021 Medicare fee-for-service claims data.

RESULTS

The prevalence rate of MS in older adults increased by 15.49%, from 210.55 (per 100,000) in 2011 to 243.17 in 2021. Women comprised 75% of the aging MS population, and 90% were White. Over half were prescribed DMTs, mainly interferon-beta and glatiramer acetate.

CONCLUSIONS

The study found an increasing prevalence of MS among older adults in the United States over the past decade, with over half using DMTs. Our findings highlight the need for increasing geriatric care for MS.