AAN 2024 | Genetic, environmental, and social determinants of racial disparities in MS

Lilyana Amezcua, MD, FAAN, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, discusses the differences in multiple sclerosis (MS) onset and progression across diverse populations. Research has demonstrated that Black and Hispanic individuals tend to have more severe symptoms and faster disease progression, compared to White people. A major question is whether the differences observed are a product of biological/genetic factors or as a result of social determinants of health. Dr Amezcua comments on the recent changes in prevalence estimates across these groups which suggest an increasing rate of MS among African Americans, noting data that support the involvement of genetics, environmental risk factors, and diagnostic/treatment barriers. This interview took place at the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Annual Meeting 2024 in Denver, CO.

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