MS Australia
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common diseases of the central nervous system among young Australians with over 18,000 people living with the disease. The average age of diagnosis is just 30 and three times as many women as men are affected. MS is unpredictable and living with the disease can include symptoms such as loss of coordination, speech difficulties, blurred or double vision, numbness, heat intolerance and extreme fatigue.
The cost of MS on the individual and the community is not only financial. The burden also extends to individuals and their families socially, physically and emotionally. Annually, MS costs Australia $2 billion and further, Australians living with MS pay $160 million out of their own pockets in health costs. The cost on families can place relationships at breaking point, while the progression of physical symptoms can lead to 80% of people living with MS to lose their job within 10 years.