Multiple sclerosis affects many aspects of life beyond physical health, with 51% of people reporting that the disease impacts their social life and 48% saying it affects their work, according to new research presented at the European Academy of Neurology Congress 2026 on June 28.
The SocialMS study was conducted by researchers from Italy using a nationwide questionnaire-based approach. The study involved 1,039 adults with multiple sclerosis receiving care at 68 MS centres across the country. Participants were asked about how MS affected four key social determinants of health: education, work, financial resources, and social life.
Social life was reported as the most commonly affected area (51%), followed by work (48%), financial resources (34%), and education (19%). The study found that these domains were closely interconnected. Additional analyses identified strong associations between work and social life as well as between work and financial resources. People experiencing financial difficulties, being out of work or retired early, having additional health conditions, or greater levels of disability were more likely to report impacts across multiple areas. Economic strain and disability were associated with all secondary outcomes examined in the study.
Almost 90% of participants reported receiving some form of social support. Family members provided both practical support for 61% and emotional support for 76%. Friends offered emotional support to 43% of participants. Other sources included pets (16%) providing companionship and colleagues (12%) offering emotional support.
Despite these networks, MS also placed strain on relationships; among those whose social lives were affected by the disease, over half reported impacts on relationships with partners, while nearly half cited effects on friendships. Dr. Ponzano said, "These two findings, which may appear contradictory, actually highlight the dual nature of this domain. Family and friends are often an important source of support for people living with MS, yet the disease can also place strain on those same relationships." She added that those reporting a greater burden from MS—and therefore greater need—were more likely to receive support.
Dr. Ponzano concluded, "Our findings highlight that the impact of MS extends beyond physical health, affecting social life, employment, financial resources and education. For healthcare systems and policymakers, these results underscore the value of multidisciplinary support services and policies aimed at reducing the broader social and economic burden of the disease."
