Unfortunately, scientists do not know the specific origins of multiple sclerosis, or MS. Yet while they don’t completely understand the exact causes of the disease, they can point to a number of factors that may hold the keys to the development of the disease in most people.

Environmental Factors

MS affects different populations and ethnic groups across the world. Surprisingly, the disease has the highest prevalence in Scotland, Scandinavia, and Northern Europe. In the United States, the prevalence of the disease is higher in whites. According to statistics, African blacks and Japanese citizens rarely get the disease, if ever. However, interestingly enough, African Americans and Japanese Americans do develop MS.

Research has also revealed another fascinating piece of information about MS. Studies show that if you move to a new environment, you acquire the risk of that environment –whether higher or lower—if your move is prior to adolescence. This reveals that some type of environmental agent may influence the development of the disease prior to adolescence. Prevalence of MS also increases with the distance from the equator, and there have been epidemics of the disease. These factors contribute to the theory that the disease may be influenced by the actual environment.

Genetic Factors

MS may also be inherited. Scientists believe MS may be influenced by multiple genes, however. A sibling to an MS patient has a two to five percent risk of developing the disease. Scientists also believe that some people may be genetically predisposed to developing MS and are then influenced by an environmental factor or virus that triggers an autoimmune response.

Viruses and Hormones

There have also been theories that viruses such as the flu, herpes, and measles may trigger some response in the body that can lead to MS. Sex hormones like estrogen, which may suppress the immune system, have also been blamed. This particular theory gains some credibility due to the fact that many women with MS who become pregnant –thus lowering estrogen and progesterone levels—may experience relief of symptoms, and the progression of their disease may slow.

Each theory may hold part of the key to the development of MS, and each one is an interesting point to consider when studying the disease.