ITALY — Findings from the SocialMS study, a nationwide questionnaire-based study involving 1,039 adults with multiple sclerosis (MS), were presented at the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) Congress 2026. The study asked participants about the impact of MS on education, work, financial resources, and social life.

According to the results, 51% of participants reported that MS affected their social life, and 48% stated it affected their work. Financial resources were affected for 34% of participants, while 19% reported effects on their education. Marta Ponzano, lead author from Link Campus University, said, "Our findings highlight that the impact of MS extends beyond physical health, affecting social life, employment, financial resources and education."

Researchers identified the strongest associations between work and social life, and between work and financial resources. Individuals experiencing financial difficulties, being out of work or retired early, those with additional health conditions, or those with greater levels of disability reported more widespread impacts across these domains. Economic strain and disability were associated with all secondary outcomes examined in the study. Ponzano stated, "Importantly, the greatest burden falls on individuals who are socioeconomically and medically more vulnerable, with disability emerging as a key driver of disadvantage."

Almost 90% of participants reported receiving some form of social support. Family members provided practical support to 61% of participants and emotional support to 76%. Friends were cited as an important source of emotional support by 43% of participants. Among those whose social life was affected, 54% reported impacts on relationships with partners, and 46% reported impacts on friendships. More than 16% received emotional support and companionship from pets, and almost 12% received emotional support from colleagues.

Participants who reported a greater MS-related burden were more likely to receive support. Ponzano commented, "While this could represent an encouraging finding, future studies should investigate whether support is activated in response to higher levels of need or provided proactively." She added, "A preventive model rather than a reactive one may be more beneficial for individuals with MS."