Study reveals gender bias in MS cases

WOMEN with multiple sclerosis in the Lothians are more likely to pass on the illness to their family than men, research has found.

There are thought to be around 2000 people with the debilitating disease in the area.

A recent study has found that females are more likely to have a gene associated with MS than males, meaning they are more likely to pass it on to female children they have.

Experts said in Scotland in the 1950s MS affected both genders equally, but now three times as many women have it.

That is a more drastic change than elsewhere in the world.

Dr Jayne Spink, director of policy and research at the MS Society, said: "The exact cause of MS is unknown, but this study helps solve a vital part of the puzzle, which we hope will lead to ways to reduce the risk of developing MS in future generations."