Orkney has the highest rate of MS in the world

Epub ahead of printVisser et al. A new prevalence study of multiple sclerosis in Orkney, Shetland and Aberdeen city. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2012 May 10. 

Background: 30 years ago very high MS prevalence rates were recorded in northern Scotland. A prevalence study was repeated in Aberdeen, Orkney and Shetland to see if prevalence rates had changed, assess which factors affect prevalence and record disability status.

Methods: Hospital, general practice and laboratory records were searched to identify prevalent MS patients (alive and registered with a participating general practice on 24 September 2009). Records were reviewed to confirm diagnoses applying Poser definite and probable and McDonald diagnostic criteria. Disability status (Expanded Disability Status Scale) was recorded from records and questionnaires. Rates were standardised to the Scottish population.

Results: 590 patients were found (Aberdeen 442, Orkney 82, Shetland 66). Mean age and disease duration were 53 and 19.4 years, respectively. The standardised prevalence rates for Poser probable/definite MS per 100 000 were: combined area 248 (95% CI 229 to 269), Orkney 402 (95% CI 319 to 500), Shetland 295 (95% CI 229 to 375) and Aberdeen 229 (95% CI 208 to 250). McDonald diagnostic criteria gave a lower prevalence (202, 95% CI 198 to 206). Prevalence was highest in women (2.55:1, 95% CI 2.26 to 2.89) with about 1 in 170 women in Orkney affected. Prevalence was lowest in the most deprived socioeconomic group. 45% had significant disability (Expanded Disability Status Scale ≥6).

Conclusion: The prevalence of MS has increased in the overall area, most markedly in Orkney, then Shetland, over the past 30 years. This increase could be due to a number of factors, but rising incidence as reflected by a rising sex ratio, influenced by gene-environment interaction, is the most likely. Orkney has the highest prevalence rate recorded worldwide.


"Can you imagine how guilty Scottish public health official will be if vD supplementation could prevent this epidemic? It is time they acted on this problem! Why wait? What reasons do they have for not acting?"

"One in every 170 woman living on the island of Orkney has MS! An almost incredible figure."

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