Can a 72 year old get MS? Understanding Very Late-Onset Multiple Sclerosis

Oct 15, 2025 4 min read •

Geriatrics neurology Autoimmune Diseases

While multiple sclerosis is most often diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40, a diagnosis at an advanced age is possible. This phenomenon, known as very late-onset multiple sclerosis (VLOMS) when it occurs after age 60, confirms that a 72 year old can get MS, although it is uncommon. Diagnosing VLOMS presents unique challenges, as its symptoms can overlap with other age-related conditions.

Quick Summary

A 72-year-old can be diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, though it is rare. This condition, called very late-onset MS (VLOMS), often presents differently than in younger adults and can be mistaken for other age-related illnesses, complicating diagnosis. Diagnosis is possible through a neurologist using a combination of clinical evaluation and testing.

Key Points

VLOMS is possible: Yes, a 72 year old can get MS, a rare form known as very late-onset multiple sclerosis (VLOMS).
Diagnostic challenges: LOMS/VLOMS symptoms often mimic other age-related conditions like stroke or spinal stenosis, leading to delayed or missed diagnoses.
Different disease course: Late-onset MS is more likely to follow a progressive path (PPMS) and cause a faster accumulation of disability compared to MS in younger adults.
Focus on mobility: Motor and sensory issues, such as difficulty walking and balancing, are more common initial symptoms in LOMS/VLOMS than the optic neuritis often seen in younger patients.
Comprehensive diagnosis: Accurate diagnosis for VLOMS requires a neurologist, using a combination of detailed clinical history, neurological exams, and advanced imaging like MRI.
Treatment is available: Despite limited clinical trial data for older adults, treatment options focus on managing symptoms, slowing progression, and using rehabilitation to maintain quality of life.

Can a 72 Year Old Get MS? The Reality of Very Late-Onset MS

While multiple sclerosis (MS) is predominantly associated with young adulthood, a diagnosis of MS in a 72-year-old is medically possible, though infrequent. When MS develops after the age of 60, it is specifically referred to as very late-onset multiple sclerosis (VLOMS). The number of older Americans living with MS is increasing, partly due to a rising average life expectancy and improved diagnostic tools. This demographic shift means that while a diagnosis at 72 is rare, it is no longer an unheard-of occurrence for neurologists.

Why a Diagnosis Is Possible at an Older Age

Several factors contribute to the possibility of a VLOMS diagnosis. The disease's underlying pathology, which involves both inflammation and progressive neurodegeneration, continues throughout a person's lifespan. While the initial inflammatory relapsing-remitting phase is more common in younger individuals, the progressive phase marked by gradual neurodegeneration can emerge or become more apparent later in life. Advancements in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and a greater awareness of MS in older populations have also increased the rate of diagnosis. It is also believed that some individuals with VLOMS may have had subtle or overlooked symptoms for years that were initially attributed to normal aging.

How is Late-Onset MS different from Typical MS?

Late-onset MS (LOMS), and VLOMS in particular, shows distinct characteristics compared to the more common adult-onset MS (AOMS). While the core symptoms are similar, their presentation and the disease course can vary significantly.

Late-Onset MS (LOMS) vs. Typical Adult-Onset MS (AOMS)


Feature	Late-Onset MS (LOMS/VLOMS)	Typical Adult-Onset MS (AOMS)
Age at Onset	Typically 50+, VLOMS is 60+	Most often between ages 20 and 40
Disease Course	Predominantly progressive from the start (Primary Progressive MS, PPMS)	Most commonly relapsing-remitting (RRMS) initially
Symptom Focus	More pronounced motor dysfunction (walking/balance) and sensory symptoms	Initial symptoms often include optic neuritis or sensory disturbances
Disability Progression	Tends to be faster, reaching disability milestones more quickly	Progression of disability typically slower overall
Relapse Rate	Fewer relapses in the initial years compared to AOMS	Relapses are a hallmark of the early disease course
Diagnostic Delay	Significantly longer, as symptoms are often mistaken for normal aging	Shorter time to diagnosis on average
Impact of Comorbidities	Co-existing conditions (e.g., vascular disease) complicate both symptoms and management	Comorbidities have less impact in early stages, though prevalence increases with disease duration

The Challenge of Diagnosis in Seniors

For a 72-year-old, symptoms of MS can be easily misattributed to other common age-related conditions, leading to diagnostic delays. A rigorous and comprehensive approach by a neurologist is essential to differentiate MS from other possibilities. The diagnostic process typically involves:

Detailed Medical History: A review of both current and past neurological symptoms, even those previously ignored or dismissed as signs of aging.
Neurological Examination: Assessment of movement, coordination, balance, vision, and reflexes.
MRI Scan: Imaging of the brain and spinal cord to detect demyelinating lesions. Spinal cord lesions can be particularly indicative of MS in older adults.
Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Analysis: A lumbar puncture may be performed to check for oligoclonal bands, a marker of inflammation within the central nervous system. However, CSF results in LOMS/VLOMS can sometimes be less clear than in younger patients.

Symptoms to Watch For in an Older Adult

While the symptoms can vary widely, some presentations are more common in late-onset MS. It is important for older individuals and their families to be aware of these signs:

Balance Issues: Increasing difficulty with balance and coordination, leading to more frequent falls.
Gait Problems: Progressive trouble with walking, often involving weakness or stiffness in the legs.
Persistent Fatigue: An overwhelming, unexplained sense of exhaustion that does not improve with rest.
Sensory Changes: Numbness, tingling, or odd sensations in the hands and feet.
Cognitive Changes: Subtle changes in memory, attention, or information processing speed that can be mistaken for normal aging or dementia.
Vision Problems: Blurred or double vision that isn't explained by other eye conditions.

Living with Late-Onset MS

A diagnosis of MS at 72 is not a cause for despair. Treatments are available to manage symptoms and, in some cases, modify the disease course. Management strategies focus on improving quality of life and slowing disability progression, and may include:

Symptom Management: Medications for specific symptoms like muscle stiffness, pain, or bladder problems.
Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and cognitive rehabilitation can help maintain function and independence.
Lifestyle Adjustments: Regular, appropriate exercise, a healthy diet, and stress management are vital for overall well-being.
Support: Connecting with others who have MS can provide emotional and practical support.

Conclusion

Yes, a 72-year-old can be diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. While a late-life diagnosis is unusual, it is a recognized phenomenon known as very late-onset multiple sclerosis. The diagnostic journey can be lengthy due to the overlap of MS symptoms with common age-related conditions. VLOMS often presents with a progressive course and different symptom patterns than early-onset MS, but modern diagnostic tools and increased awareness have made identification more likely. Crucially, a diagnosis at an older age does not mean a lack of treatment options. A comprehensive management plan, including symptom control, rehabilitation, and lifestyle changes, can significantly improve an individual’s quality of life and help address the specific challenges of living with MS later in life.

For more in-depth medical information on multiple sclerosis, consult reliable resources such as the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Frequently Asked Questions

While the onset of multiple sclerosis can occur at any age, the probability of developing it at 72 is very low. Most cases are diagnosed in younger adults between 20 and 40, and only about 1% of new diagnoses occur after age 60.

Common symptoms in late-onset MS include balance and walking difficulties, muscle weakness, stiffness, persistent fatigue, and cognitive changes. Sensory issues like numbness and tingling are also frequently reported.

Diagnosing MS in seniors is challenging because its symptoms, such as fatigue, walking problems, and cognitive changes, can be easily mistaken for other common age-related conditions like arthritis, cerebrovascular disease, or normal aging. This can cause significant diagnostic delays.

Research suggests that late-onset MS is often more severe and tends to progress faster, with a quicker accumulation of disability. People with late-onset MS are also more likely to have the primary progressive form of the disease.

Information on the effectiveness of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) in older adults is limited, as they are often underrepresented in clinical trials. However, some DMTs show a benefit, and treatment is always highly personalized based on the patient’s overall health, comorbidities, and disease activity.

Yes, comorbidities like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hypertension are common in older adults and can negatively affect the course of MS and the prognosis. Managing these conditions is important for overall health and MS outcomes.

If you suspect late-onset MS, start by documenting your symptoms in a diary, noting when they occur and their severity. Then, consult with your primary care doctor for an initial evaluation and potential referral to a neurologist.

References

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.