Despite the long-standing belief that multiple sclerosis (MS) primarily affects white individuals, new research reveals that Black Americans have the highest incidence of the disease in the United States. The disparities don’t stop there—Black and Hispanic people with MS experience faster disability progression, earlier onset, and higher mortality in early and mid-adulthood compared to white patients.
These differences are often misattributed to innate biological traits.
However, researchers emphasize that race and ethnicity are social constructs shaped by systems of power, not biology. The study introduces the concept of “embodiment,” where lived experiences—particularly those shaped by structural racism—can influence biological outcomes.
Downstream effects of systemic inequities, such as limited access to quality healthcare, higher rates of childhood obesity, and immune system dysregulation linked to Epstein–Barr virus exposure, are all associated with increased MS susceptibility. These factors disproportionately affect Black and Hispanic communities, compounding the burden of the disease.
The authors argue that inequities in healthcare access and quality, combined with earlier disease onset and greater comorbidity, contribute to worse outcomes for these populations. They propose a conceptual model to guide future research and interventions aimed at reducing these disparities.
By shifting the focus from presumed biological differences to the social and environmental realities that shape health, the study offers a path toward more equitable MS care.
See “Disparities in the incidence, prevalence and outcomes of multiple sclerosis” (May 27, 2025)