A new study, published in the journal of the American Academy of Neurology revealed that people with multiple sclerosis, combined with depression, are at a greater risk of death within the next decade. The subjects with both these conditions were compared with those who had just one or neither of the conditions.
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic condition that involves the central nervous system. In this disorder, the immune system attacks a protective layer around nerve fibers called myelin. MS causes inflammation and temporary lesions.
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The study found that people suffering from multiple sclerosis as well as depression have an increased risk of developing a vascular disease that can cause heart attacks or stroke. The study involved 12,251 people with multiple sclerosis and 72,572 people who did not have the disorder. Three separate subject groups were observed
The results revealed that for group a, the mortality rate was the highest at 10.6. For group b, the mortality rate was at 3.6 and for group c, the mortality rate was at 2.5.
Researchers added that further studies need to be conducted to find out whether treating depression in people with multiple sclerosis could reduce the risk of vascular disease over time.
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