Childhood risk factors for MS identified

A new study from Germany has shed light on how experiences and exposures in childhood could influence the likelihood of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) later in life. While factors such as infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and childhood obesity are already known to raise MS risk, this research has identified several additional childhood-related influences that may play an important role.

The study was part of the German National Cohort (NAKO) and compared the early-life experiences of 576 people with MS to 895 people without the condition, matched by age and sex. The researchers found that individuals who experienced more infections in childhood faced a higher risk of developing MS. In fact, each serious infection was linked to a 14% increase in risk. This supports the idea that repeated activation of the immune system early in life may contribute to long-term immune dysfunction in those genetically predisposed to MS.

The study also found that stressful life events in childhood, such as the death of a parent or other major disruptions, were associated with a 25% increased risk of developing the disease. The researchers suggest that early psychological stress could have lasting effects on the immune and nervous systems, potentially increasing vulnerability to autoimmune conditions like MS.

Another notable finding was that people born to mothers aged 30 or older were more than twice as likely to develop MS compared to those whose mothers were younger at the time of birth. Although the exact biological mechanisms are unclear, this association points to maternal age as a factor that warrants further investigation.

In contrast to these risk factors, the study found that higher levels of physical activity during childhood and adolescence were linked to a reduced risk of MS. This protective effect adds to growing evidence that exercise benefits not just physical and mental health, but may also help prevent chronic conditions like MS.

The researchers emphasised that while these factors do not cause MS on their own, they may contribute to the overall risk in individuals with a genetic susceptibility. Encouraging physical activity, supporting children through stressful events, and preventing serious infections may form part of broader public health strategies aimed at reducing the long-term risk of MS.