Coexistence of Multiple Sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease: A review

Pauline Luczynski; Cornelia Laule; Ging-Yuek Robin Hsiung; G R Wayne Moore; Helen Tremlett

doi:10.1016/j.msard.2018.10.109

Coexistence of Multiple Sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease: A review

Mult Scler Relat Disord. 2019 Jan:27:232-238. doi: 10.1016/j.msard.2018.10.109. Epub 2018 Oct 27.

Authors

Pauline Luczynski¹, Cornelia Laule², Ging-Yuek Robin Hsiung³, G R Wayne Moore⁴, Helen Tremlett⁵

Affiliations

¹ MD Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
² Department of Radiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
³ Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Medicine (Neurology), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
⁴ Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Medicine (Neurology), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
⁵ Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Medicine (Neurology), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada. Electronic address: helen.tremlett@ubc.ca.

PMID: 30415025
DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2018.10.109

Abstract

Background: People with multiple sclerosis (MS) are living longer than ever and will likely face the same age-related diseases as other seniors; however, there is strikingly little information on the coexistence of MS with many common diseases of aging. In particular, little appears to be known about the coexistence of MS with Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common form of dementia.

Methods: In this review, we explore what is known about the coexistence of MS and AD, including a focused literature search to identify any reports of individuals with both MS and AD (PubMed, to May 2017). We also discuss the wider epidemiology, diagnosis, and pathophysiology of MS and AD.

Results: In total, we found 24 individuals with pathological features of both MS and AD described as case series or reports (published between 1976-2014), but no epidemiological or population-based studies, aside from one conference proceeding (2011). Comorbid MS and AD was reported in a broad range of MS disease courses including relapsing-remitting, primary progressive, secondary progressive and so-called 'benign.' Despite the clear diagnostic challenges involved, these individual case reports provide evidence that AD and MS can coexist in the same person.

Conclusion: In summary, we highlight a major knowledge gap in our understanding of two potentially common neurological conditions. With the ageing population, and an estimated 2.3 million people living with MS and 46 million with AD or other dementias worldwide, it will become increasingly important to recognize and understand how to manage individuals with these complex comorbid conditions.

Keywords: Aging; Alzheimer's disease; Epidemiology; Neurodegenerative diseases; Neuropathology.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Alzheimer Disease / epidemiology*
Comorbidity*
Humans
Multiple Sclerosis / epidemiology*