Genetics

Multiple sclerosis can feel like a mysterious, unfair roll of the dice—but science is slowly revealing why some people are more vulnerable than others. In this post, we walk through what we currently know about the genetics of MS and how polygenic risk scores (PRS) bundle thousands of tiny DNA differences into a single “risk meter.” We’ll explore what that does and doesn’t mean for individual patients, how genes interact with factors like infections and lifestyle, and why ancestry, equity, and ethics matter so much when we talk about genetic risk. The goal isn’t to scare or to promise crystal-ball predictions, but to offer a clear, compassionate look at where MS genetics stands today and how it may eventually help guide prevention, monitoring, and care.