Today’s news / Denmark tops global MS incidence chart
According to a tally, Denmark has a sclerosis incidence of 301 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. For comparison, in Norway and Sweden there are respectively 255 and 215 cases. (Archive photo). Photo: Ida Guldbæk Arentsen/Ritzau Scanpix

Denmark tops global MS incidence chart

Denmark has the highest recorded incidence of multiple sclerosis (MS) worldwide, with 301 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, according to the latest report from the International Multiple Sclerosis Federation (MSIF), as stated by the Scleroseforeningen (Danish MS Society). Norway and Sweden follow with 255 and 215 cases respectively. Nana Folmann Hempler, from the Scleroseforeningen, notes the disease often strikes early in life, significantly affecting personal and professional development. The condition is an autoimmune disease with symptoms varying per individual, and over 18,600 Danes diagnosed. Factors contributing to this high incidence include genetic predispositions of Scandinavians and environmental elements such as low vitamin-D levels, Epstein-Barr virus, and obesity in puberty. Comparisons are most relevant with other high-incidence regions like Scandinavia and North America. Since 1950, Denmark’s MS incidence has been rising, partly because patients are living longer, though there are also more new cases across different age groups.