Heredity & Genetics
Hello! My name is Wanda and I was diagnosed in December of 1996 at the age of 27. My 28 year old daughter has also been diagnosed with MS in June of 2020. As an African American with MS, my question for discussion is pertaining to any current research on Heredity in MS and Genetic type research trials dealing with MS. If you have any information that would shed some light on the topics I'm inquiring about, I would truly appreciate it. Thank you!
Hello Wanda - I have MS. I was undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for 40 years. I finally found out when I was 60 and had been having symptoms since I was in 20s. I didn't find out until 10 years after my mother had died that she never told me that I had MS. I also found out that many of my cousins also had MS, some in wheelchairs.
Oh no!!! That's so unfortunate. I thankful that I had a great Neurologist as well as my daughter. However, I do have a 1st Cousin who wasn't as fortunate. It took her 10 years to get a correct diagnosis. All the best to you and thanks for responding.
, this is a great question! Also, I am sorry that both you and your daughter have been diagnosed with MS. I hope both of your have great doctors that work with you to manage the disease course in the best way possible for each of you.
This isn't the *most* recent info, but I do think research into the link between MS and a hereditary components is ongoing -- https://mymsaa.org/publications/msresearch-update-2020/genetics/.
And here's some information on participating in clinical trials -- https://mymsaa.org/videos/participating-in-clinical-trials-your-opportunity-to-make-a-difference/. I wasn't specifically looking for information about African Americans, but I think we can both agree that studying this specific population in regards to MS is LONG overdue! I am not as certain about getting involved specifically with genetic/hereditary research studies at this time. If I come across anything, I will definitely let you know!
Best, Erin, MultipleSclerosis.net Team Member.Thank you Erin!! We both have excellent MS Neurologists. I am very thankful! Thank you so much for the information on clinical trials and heredity research. This will be my weekend homework!! (smile)
