It is very important to understand that no direct cause of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) has been discovered yet. Scientists are working everyday towards that goal, however they have been unable to determine a cause. They have been able to find some factors that may lead to the development of MS. Researchers have also been able to rule out some factors that were previously believed to cause the disease.
Immune System Factor
The myelin is the fatty cover that surrounds nerve fibers. In MS, an autoimmune response in the body attacks this cover. Scientists have been unable to determine what exactly the immune cells are trying to attack. They have been able to figure out which cells are starting the attack and some of the factors that cause the attack. They have also been able to find what is drawing the cells to attack the myelin.
Vitamin D Factor
Vitamin D is produced naturally by the body when exposed to sunlight. This vitamin is known to make the immune system stronger and protect the body against autoimmune diseases such as MS. People that live closer to the equator are exposed to more sunlight than those that live further away from it. It has been found that there are more cases of MS further away from the equator and the increased amount of vitamin D found in the people living close to it is believed to decrease their risk of developing the disease.
Infectious Factor
Being exposed to different viruses and bacteria has been known to cause inflammation of the sheath around nerve fibers. Since this is one of the effects of MS, scientists are trying to determine if there are specific viruses or bacteria that cause this to happen. Researchers are currently studying different viruses and bacteria to see if any of them are found to trigger MS.
Genetic Factor
MS is not a hereditary disease, but it is shown that being directly related to someone with MS dramatically increases the risk of developing the disease. Scientists have found that in families with multiple people that have MS, common genetic factors are shown. It is believed that people with MS are born with a genetic predisposition to react differently to certain environmental factors. This reaction will cause an autoimmune response in the body.
Disproved Factors
Aspartame is an artificial sweetener used in many drinks and sugar substitutes. There is no scientific proof that this substance leads to the development of MS. It was once believed that exposure to heavy metals such as mercury or lead caused MS. While this exposure may cause some nervous system damage, this damage is different than MS and there is no scientific support to show that exposure to these metals will cause MS.
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