Is there a relation between later-life dementia and multiple sclerosis?

Potential is there: Here is the point: ms causes cognitive problems in at least 65% of pts, and this coupled with aging, could create a higher chance of dementia, or worsening alzheimer's as the years go by. So, use a medication that is as potent as you can tolerate, so the chance for deterioration is blunted. This might include tysabri, (natalizumab) gilenya, or bg-12. However, adverse risk management is critical.

Dementia and MS: Some people with MS may have a large burden of lesions, either because they did not find a helpful treatment, or because they did not use treatment. There are times when MS can cause symptoms of dementia, although it is normally referred to as MS. This is becoming less common with the greater number of treatments that are available. More than thirty years ago, this was more common.

Perspective: Multiple sclerosis does not cause alzheimer's but can cause significant cognitive problems if not controlled. About 60% of pts with ms will have problems, and at least 30% of pts with initial ms have issues on neuropsych testing. About 10-12% in the end will seem severely demented. With modern, more potent meds, far fewer are likely to get severely disabled in this fashion.

Dementia and MS: Sometimes a long history of aggressive or poorly-managed MS can result in symptoms like dementia. Perhaps this could be called "MS dementia". There is no association of MS and Alzheimers disease or other illnesses that are considered causes of dementia. These are distinct illnesses.