<p>Today’s Raw Nerve episode explores the major new report: <a href="https://www.msaustralia.org.au/msprevalence/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Multiple Sclerosis Prevalence and Health Economic Impact in Australia 2025</a>.</p><p>Released at MS Australia’s <a href="https://www.msaustralia.org.au/news/causes-care-and-cures-sharing-cutting-edge-research-at-ms-australias-biennial-conference-brisbane/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">2025 Progress in MS Research Conference</a>, the report reveals that a record 37,756 Australians are now living with multiple sclerosis (MS) – a 13.3% increase in just three years since 2021.</p><p>The report is the third major publication on the cost of MS in Australia, commissioned by MS Australia and produced by the Menzies Institute for Medical Research at the University of Tasmania. The primary data source is the <a href="https://www.msaustralia.org.au/amsls/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Australian MS Longitudinal Study (AMSLS)</a>.</p><p>Joining guest host Dr Fiona McKay, Deputy Head of Research at MS Australia are report lead author <a href="https://discover.utas.edu.au/Julie.Campbell" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Dr Julie Campbell</a>, Senior Research Fellow at the Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania; report author <a href="https://discover.utas.edu.au/Bruce.Taylor" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Professor Bruce Taylor</a>, Neurologist and Academic Lead – also from Menzies and Dr Tennille Luker, Head of Research at MS Australia. Professor Taylor is also co-recipient of <a href="https://www.msaustralia.org.au/news/tasmanian-neurologist-professor-bruce-taylor-honoured-with-2025-ms-research-award-from-ms-australia/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">MS Australia’s 2025 MS Research Award</a>, recognising more than 25 years of leadership in advancing MS research and improving outcomes for people living with the condition.</p><p>We wanted to help listeners understand a bit about the report and what it all means, including the impact of MS on quality of life and employment, what might be contributing to the increased prevalence of MS, key findings and recommendations for improving outcomes for those affected by MS and the importance of sustained and rigorous <a href="https://www.msaustralia.org.au/research/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">MS research</a> funding and response.</p><p>For Dr Luker, the report is a clear, credible story of what MS looks like today in Australia: how people are affected, what MS costs and where the biggest gaps are and she shares many other key takeaways.</p><p>Also mentioned today is the <a href="https://www.msaustralia.org.au/news/global-multiple-sclerosis-prevention-initiative-underway" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Global MS Prevention Initiative</a> which MS Australis is co-leading along with MS Canada, the important role of <a href="https://www.msaustralia.org.au/nurses/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">MS Nurses</a>, <a href="https://www.msaustralia.org.au/news/how-to-keep-your-brain-healthy/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Brain Health</a>, <a href="https://www.msaustralia.org.au/platypus/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">PLATYPUS</a> and the <a href="https://www.ndis.gov.au/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">National Disability Insurance Scheme</a> (NDIS) and its Agency (the NDIA).</p><p>Visit our <a href="https://www.msaustralia.org.au/supports-and-services/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Support and Services page</a> for contacts in your local area and check out MS Australia’s new <a href="https://www.msaustralia.org.au/lifestyle" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Lifestyle Guide for people living with MS</a>.</p>