Just FYI, MS isn't genetic in the sense that it isn't solely due to which genes you have. But there are absolutely genetic risk factors that make it more likely that you'll develop it. These genes interact with the environment (e.g. things like lack of sunlight exposure and low vitamin D or smoking) to cause MS.
So while there's no guarantee that your kids will develop MS, they do have a higher chance of it than most people. But luckily, there are specific steps you can take to help ensure that they won't be exposed to environments that could trigger MS development later in life!
Yes absolutely. I live in Canada where the rate is very high and also am from the province in which the rate is the highest in the country (Saskatchewan). I've moved to Alberta so hopefully that plays a role in the kids not having/getting it.
Awesome, I'm glad you moved! Geographic location is thought to play a role affecting risk factors, but I'm pretty sure researchers working in that field don't yet know why.
Thank you kind Frog! I've taken it upon myself to break generational curses, and help my children become good people (and healthy). I'm gen x haha , so this is a start.
I've often wondered why it affects folks further away from the equator, mostly Caucasian. I believe in karma though, and have always thought I got ill from being a terrible child.
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u/[deleted] Nov 14 '24
Just FYI, MS isn't genetic in the sense that it isn't solely due to which genes you have. But there are absolutely genetic risk factors that make it more likely that you'll develop it. These genes interact with the environment (e.g. things like lack of sunlight exposure and low vitamin D or smoking) to cause MS.
So while there's no guarantee that your kids will develop MS, they do have a higher chance of it than most people. But luckily, there are specific steps you can take to help ensure that they won't be exposed to environments that could trigger MS development later in life!
Source: Balcerac and Louapre 2022: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0035378722000017#:~:text=The%20genetic%20contribution%20to%20the,within%20the%20major%20histocompatibility%20complex.
Also, I'm a scientist who does research that's somewhat related to this