COLUMBUS, OH (OSU WEXNER) - Women are three times more likely than men to be diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, an incurable disease that affects the central nervous system. The disease has long been thought to primarily affect White women of European descent. But new research reveals rising rates of the disease among Black women. Barb Consiglio has more on one woman’s mission to bring awareness to all affected by multiple sclerosis and to work collectively toward a cure.
Paula Cole was a busy and active college student when an MS diagnosis turned her world upside down.
“It felt like a death sentence,” commented Paula Cole, MS patient.
Two decades passed as Paula felt helpless to fight her disease until finally, she met Dr. Tirisham Gyang, a neurologist at the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center.
“I was looking through neurologists and realized I need someone that looks like me,” added Cole.
Rates of MS are on the rise among Black individuals. Research suggests they may also be prone to more aggressive disease progression and greater disability, though the reasons are unknown.
“Since MS was predominantly thought about in white individuals, there was not a lot of awareness of MS in other populations,” explained Dr. Tirisham Gyang, Ohio State Wexner Medical Center.
This led to the underdiagnosis of black women for decades. Doctor Gyang says the first step to finding answers is ensuring all are adequately represented in clinical research.
“We want specifically populations that have been underrepresented to come out and to be in clinical trials so that we understand better how MS affects these populations,” added Dr. Gyang.
Paula is now on a medication that slows the progression of her disease, giving her a new outlook on the future.
“Now it's almost celebratory that we can think about a future where mom is there and mom is walking and mom is participating,” said Cole.
It also gives her the opportunity to stand with all affected by MS as they support research to find a cure.
“I continue to hope and pray that, as I can, I will be able to help others. And as long as I'm helping others, I am doing what I was put on this Earth to do.”
