Thanks for reaching out and your question. It’s a good one! Yes in general, DMTs are less effective in people over 50. This is because MS activity in terms of relapses and new MRI lesions seems to slow down in later years for most people. Also, DMTs do not treat slowly progressive symptoms and any age. There are a few clinical trials about stopping DMT in people older than 50 and 55 that suggest it is safe to do so with very few people having new relapses after stopping their DMT. If you haven’t had any new MS clinical attacks or new MRI lesions for over 5 years, you could discuss a trial off your therapy with MRI monitoring for new lesions. The MS Centers of Excellence are coming out with some guidance about de-escalating and discontinuing DMTs soon. Stay tuned!

I too share Hollis Coleman's concerns on age and DMTs for people with MS over the age of 70.

Is it true that after a person with MS reaches over 50 years of age that DMT's no longer become effective in reducing the progression and/or effects of MS? I am 73 years old, no new lesions on spine or in brain areas in my last MRI, 1 year ago, full scan of the spine and brain.