Investigating Differences in Disease Burden among African, Caribbean, and Black persons and White Persons with MS in Alberta

Start Term
End Term
Funding Amount
$49,875
Geographic Region(s) / Province(s)
Alberta
Research Priorities
Cause of MS
Impact Goal(s)
Advance Treatment and Care

Affiliation(s): Governors of the University of Alberta

Researcher(s):  Dr. Nabeela Nathoo

Summary: 

  • Emerging research in the United States has found that African Americans with multiple sclerosis (MS) are more likely to develop progressive disease and experience greater disability compared to White Americans with MS. It is unknown whether similar features exist among African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) populations in Canada.
  • This study aims to compare clinical and MRI characteristics of ACB and White persons with MS using data from Alberta, Canada. If differences are found between the two groups, the team can further explore possible reasons and recommend ways to optimize care for better disease management.
  • This research has potential to set a precedent for future research in MS disease outcomes among historically underrepresented groups in Canada to help inform more equitable healthcare for all people with MS.



Project Description: 

Studies of people with MS in the United States have found that MS is as common in African Americans as in White Americans. African Americans with MS were also more likely to develop progressive MS, experience greater disability, and show more brain and spinal cord injury on MRI scans compared to White Americans with MS. It is unclear if these features are also observed in the African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) population with MS in Canada. 

In this study, Dr. Nabeela Nathoo will compare differences in clinical features between ACB and White persons with MS in Alberta, such as the likelihood of developing severe disability and use of disease-modifying therapies. Dr. Nathoo will also use specialized MRI methods to examine differences in imaging features between ACB and White persons with MS, including myelin and axon damage, as well as brain and spinal cord atrophy. If differences are found between the two groups, the team can further explore possible reasons and recommend ways to optimize care for better disease management.

 

Potential Impact: 

The study has potential to set a precedent for future research in MS disease outcomes among historically underrepresented groups in Canada to help inform more equitable healthcare for all people with MS.  

 

Project Status: In Progress