Progressive forms of Multiple Sclerosis present their own unique challenges and obstacles that are unlikely to be experienced or encountered with equivalent severity in Relapsing Remitting forms. MS Awareness Advocate Walter Gefrom shares new information from a large study that now links progressive MS to greater infection risks.

There are four common forms of Multiple Sclerosis which patients find their condition categorized into upon diagnosis.  These forms all fall within two larger categories: progressive (PMS) and relapsing-remitting (RRMS).  Often regarded as a snowflake disease, symptom presentation and disease progression is faced uniquely on a sliding scale for each and every patient living with MS.  However, progressive forms of the disease generally entail an accelerated increase of disease progression and disability that is not experienced by individuals with RRMS.  Walter Gefrom has recently read a study in Germany which now points to more difficulties faced by PMS patients on a larger scale than individuals living with RRMS.  Specifically, the study discusses the increased likelihood of serious or life-threatening infections, including infections impacting the urinary tract and reproductive organs.  What was uncovered is that patients with PMS are at a far greater risk of contracting these illnesses than those with RRMS;  furthermore, they are also much more likely to face disease progression acceleration as a result of such infections, which could lead to increased immobility, disability or even death.