Primary Progressive MS: Myths vs. Facts

Primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) is a complex disease that varies between individuals. In other words, not everyone will have the same symptoms or experiences. The rates of progression also vary.

The mysteries surrounding PPMS have generated many myths about this condition. This can create a lot of confusion when you’re trying to research multiple sclerosis (MS) and its primary forms. Learn about some of the most common myths about PPMS here, as well as the real facts.

As of 2017, MS isn’t curable. Certain medications are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for relapsing-remitting forms of MS, but but most of these don’t seem to work in PPMS. Recently, one new drug, Ocrevus (ocrelizumab), has been approved for PPMS.

This doesn’t mean that there will never be a cure. In fact, research is ongoing in terms of medications for PPMS, as well as possible cures for all forms of MS. Because genetics and environment are thought to contribute to MS development, research is looking into how to prevent some of these variables from affecting adults later in life.

Some forms of MS tend to occur more often in women than men — sometimes three times as much. Yet according to the National MS Society, PPMS seems to affect both women and men equally in number.

Diagnosing PPMS can be difficult, but you shouldn’t assume you have one specific form of MS just because of your sex.

The onset of PPMS tends to occur later than other forms of MS. However, there seems to be a misconception that it’s an elderly person’s disease. This may be in part due to the onset of disability being associated with age. According to the University of Rochester Medical Center, the average age of onset for PPMS is between 30 and 39 years of age.

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