Survey reveals gaps in public understanding of MS in Wales

A new MS Society Cymru survey has found significant gaps in public understanding of multiple sclerosis (MS), despite high awareness of the condition.

The survey, carried out by Opinium with 500 adults in Wales, revealed:

• Only 1 in 5 adults aware of MS knew it is most commonly diagnosed in people in their 30s and 40s.
• 92% of people in Wales have heard of MS, but only 33% knew that women are more likely to be diagnosed than men.
• Less than a third (29%) recognised that factors such as smoking, obesity, and lack of sunlight can increase the risk of developing MS.

Lack of Awareness Around Diagnosis Age

MS is the most common neurological condition among young adults. Every year, an estimated 3,600 people aged 30-49 are diagnosed across the UK, with over 6,000 people in Wales living with MS.

Despite this, 82% of people in this age group in Wales did not know they were the most likely to be diagnosed with MS.

Shelley Elgin, Country Director for Wales at MS Society Cymru, said:
“MS can be debilitating, exhausting and unpredictable and we know it often strikes at a time when people are making big life choices about careers, relationships and family.

“If there’s a better understanding of MS – that could make a huge difference, from taking the fear away from a diagnosis to making conversations with family, friends and employers that little bit easier.”

Personal Stories

The MS Society spoke to people living with MS in Wales to highlight the real-life impact of the condition.

Glesni Roberts, 46, from Caernarfon: “My diagnosis came at a particularly challenging time, following my mother’s passing. Initially, I was misdiagnosed with a viral infection. I experienced progressive symptoms like weakness in my right arm, speech difficulties, and facial drooping. Doctors even initially suspected brain tumours.

“When I was finally diagnosed, I felt a mix of relief and anxiety. I worried about how this would progress and impact my life. Family and friends responded with shock, unsure exactly what MS meant. It would be helpful if there was greater understanding about how MS can affect people at different stages of life.”

Helen, 35, from North Wales: “My journey with MS started in my teens with fatigue, but it wasn’t until my pregnancy that things became more serious. I was hospitalised after falling at work, experiencing numbness and mobility issues. It took 18 months to get a final diagnosis.

“I’d never fully understood MS before my diagnosis. The biggest challenge was significantly reducing my weekly working hours to accommodate my health needs. Occasionally, I grieve for my old life, but then I have a reality check and feel grateful to be able to walk to the shop with no pain. It would help loads if people had greater understanding of how MS can affect young people, especially working mothers.”

Raising Awareness

Public figures with MS, including Welsh presenter Daf Wyn and actors Selma Blair and Christina Applegate, have helped raise awareness of the condition.

However, misconceptions persist, making life harder for those living with MS. The MS Society Cymru is urging greater understanding and awareness to ensure better support for those diagnosed.

For support and more information about MS, visit www.mssociety.org.uk or contact the MS Helpline on 0808 800 8000.