Multiple Sclerosis Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Multiple Sclerosis - Research Paper Example A few ideas have been gathered that pinpoint some of the more known reasons as to what causes multiple sclerosis, as well a few concepts that are still being considered but have yet to fully be proven. While multiple sclerosis has not been connected to genes, it has been found that a variety of genetic variations can increase the risk of developing the disease; there are specific genes that have been directly linked to the cause of multiple sclerosis in a person. A person that has a relative that has multiple sclerosis stands a higher chance at developing the disease; parents and children, and siblings, can possess the disease that makes it possible for the other to develop it also. Indeed, multiple sclerosis â€Å"has an overall familial recurrence rate of 20% (Compston, 2008).† The less that a person is related to someone, such as the difference between siblings and half-siblings, the less chance that there is that multiple sclerosis will be developed. There are certain genes that are connected with multiple sclerosis, and they need to be present in a family member to make the disease possible. Environment plays a fairly decent role in what causes multiple sclerosis. A decreased exposure to sunlight has been connected to those with multiple sclerosis, as well as the distance someone lives from the equator, though this is not as common. Anything within that environment, such as stressful events or cigarette smoke, as well as characteristics that can bring about infections to a person, thus damaging their immune system, can cause multiple sclerosis. Multiple sclerosis is capable of developing at any age, though the most common age group to develop the disease is between twenty and forty years of age. Women are twice as likely to develop multiple sclerosis than men are. Caucasians, especially those that are from Europe or can trace their linage to Europe, are at an increased risk of