title: Are multiple sclerosis patients risk-takers?
abstract: Several factors appear to be associated with multiple sclerosis (MS), and each has a postulated immune or environmental explanation, but a common theme is lacking. This article suggests that a unifying premise could be risk-associated behaviour. Evidence is reviewed for associations with smoking, alcohol, recreational drug use, oral contraception, cholesterol intake, risk attitude and behaviour, ultraviolet light and vitamin D exposure, frequency of MS in healthy societies, and viral infection. The evidence associated with smoking, not taking vitamin D supplements and Epstein-Barr viral infection appears good. There may be a pattern of risk-associated behaviour that characterizes patients with MS and brings them into contact with one or more causative agents. Of the possible agents, viral infection seems the most likely.
authors.affiliation: Essex Neuroscience Centre, Oldchurch Hospital, Romford, UK. chrishawkes@msn.com
authors.forename: C H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Hawkes
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000523:psychology; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012907:Smoking / Q000523:psychology; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000008:administration & dosage
chemical_list: D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal; D004041:Dietary Fats; D014807:Vitamin D; D002784:Cholesterol