People with multiple sclerosis (MS) are living longer, Dundee University researchers have found.
The death rate among sufferers of the disease fell by 3% a year between 1990 and 2010.
As a consequence, the number of people living with MS has risen and the scientists believe this could have important implications for the allocation of health resources.
Dr Isla Mackenzie, senior clinical lecturer at the university’s medicines monitoring unit, said: “Our research covers four million patients from a representative sample of GP practices spread throughout the UK.
“It is important to have this information on the prevalence of MS in order to understand the impact of this disease and to ensure that adequate resources are provided both nationally and regionally for people affected by MS.”
The data also shows that the disease now affects around 127,000 people in the UK. MS affects the central nervous system.
The peak age at which MS was diagnosed is between 40 and 50. MS is much more common in women than in men 72% of people living with MS in 2010 were women.
The study was funded by the Multiple Sclerosis National Therapy Centres.
Charity chairman Neil Kemsley said: “As more people in the UK are living longer with MS, the help and support provided by the network of therapy centres throughout the country will become even more valuable and important in helping them to achieve the best possible quality of life.”
David Pullar, who was diagnosed with MS when he was 20, is a member of the MS Therapy Centre Tayside in Dundee.
His diagnosis coincided with its opening and was the first to use it in 1982. He has been going there at least once a week ever since.
Mr Pullar said: “I would be lost without the centre. I use oxygen treatment and physiotherapy and feel that both benefit me enormously.
“I find that if I go away on holiday and don’t go to the centre for a week or more I begin to feel lethargic, but once I have oxygen treatment I pick up.
“I also can’t speak too highly of the benefits of physiotherapy. Not only does it help me physically but it also has mood enhancing effects.”
“I used to visit the centre twice a week, but for the last six months I have only been able to go once a week because of the costs of transport.”