THE EPIDEMIOLOGY OF MULTIPLE-SCLEROSIS IN WESTERN-AUSTRALIA

Abstract

An epidemiological survey of multiple sclerosis (MS) in Western Australia was undertaken. Its prevalence day was 30 June 1981, 20 years after a previous survey within the state. Age-standardised prevalence had increased by 42% between the two surveys whilst incidence had increased by only 9%. The increase in prevalence was most likely due to increased recognition of less severe forms of the disease, increased life expectancy, and the migration into Western Australia of a population at greater risk of developing MS than the indigenous population. The lower prevalence found in the rural region around Perth as compared to the city itself in the 1961 survey was again apparent in 1981 and was mos..