The European Parliament's Public Health Committee, in a report published in February 2026, has pointed to the growing challenges posed by neurological diseases in Europe and emphasized the need for the implementation of a coordinated European program for prevention, early diagnosis, research, and innovation. This program requires attention to a fundamental question: Are we measuring what we should be measuring correctly?
The Status of MS Disease in Europe
Multiple Sclerosis (MS), which is a chronic and progressive disease of the central nervous system, disrupts the connection between the brain and the body. According to research, over 3 million people worldwide are affected by this disease, with Europe having the highest prevalence at 133 per 100,000 people. This disease primarily occurs during peak working years, and as a result, hundreds of thousands are managing a progressive and unpredictable illness.
Read more: Sharp Increase in Health Insurance Premiums in the United States
While 82 percent of individuals with severe MS rely on informal family care, this burden is rarely reflected in standard health data or policy design. The lack of accurate measurement of the full impact of the disease can lead to unmet needs, delays in providing support, and overlooking broader impacts on work, well-being, and family life.
The Necessity for More Accurate Measurement
The primary tool used to measure disability caused by MS is the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), which was developed in 1983 to assess walking ability. However, it has now been shown that this disease goes beyond mobility issues. Fatigue and cognitive problems are among common issues that are not considered in the EDSS assessment. In this context, seven out of ten neurologists emphasize the need for a more comprehensive approach.
Recent advances in understanding gradual neuroinflammation have further highlighted the necessity for developing new methods to measure MS progression. This chronic activity can continue even when the patient appears clinically stable, leading to subtle, cumulative, and easily overlooked effects.
For this reason, Sanofi has initiated the development of the Severity Index Related to Gradual Inflammation (SAW). The SAW index study, led by an international committee of experts, researchers, and patient advocates, is expected to conclude by 2027. The goal of this index is to provide a comprehensive framework for measurement that bridges the gap between the real experiences of patients and existing clinical tools.
According to the European MS Platform, individuals with MS experience an average of 14 symptoms in the first five years after diagnosis. These symptoms include fatigue, sensory problems, sleep disturbances, and balance issues. These experiences are precisely what the SAW index aims to identify.
The costs associated with this disease can be significantly high, to the extent that in some countries, indirect costs such as lost income, absenteeism from work, and disability payments exceed medical costs. Early identification of disease progression can help change this trend and preserve years of employment.
Overall, there is a felt need for improved measurement and policymaking in the healthcare sector, especially concerning neurological diseases. The SANT Committee of the European Parliament has called for a fully funded program for neurological health in Europe that is broadly developed with the aim of improving the lives of patients.
Read more: Kenya Strives to Contain Ebola Outbreak After Two Positive Cases Announced · Diet Soda Drinkers Lost Similar Weight to Water Drinkers
