'Bad Moms' and 'Friends' Actress Announces Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis

Actress Christina Applegate opened up on Twitter on Tuesday, August 10, 2021, about her recent diagnosis with multiple sclerosis.

Hi friends. A few months ago I was diagnosed with MS. It’s been a strange journey. But I have been so supported by people that I know who also have this condition. It’s been a tough road. But as we all know, the road keeps going. Unless some asshole blocks it.

— christina applegate (@1capplegate) August 10, 2021

A few hours later she shared a request for privacy in the words of one of her friends that also has MS.

As one of my friends that has MS said “ we wake up and take the indicated action”. And that’s what I do. So now I ask for privacy. As I go through this thing. Thank you xo

— christina applegate (@1capplegate) August 10, 2021

Applegate is also a survivor of breast cancer having been diagnosed in 2008.

Multiple sclerosis according to the Mayo Clinic is a disabling disease that impacts the brain and spinal cord.

The immune system attacks the myelin sheath covering nerve fibers, intercepting crucial nervous system commands between the brain and the rest of the body. Overtime, M.S. can cause permanent damage and/or deterioration of the nerves. Typically individuals are diagnosed between 20 and 50 years of age.

According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 2.3 million people around the world live with M.S. In the United States, there’s believed to be just over 1 million individuals living with MS.

Life expectancy with the disease has increased with the development of science and the knowledge surrounding how to cope with life with the syndrome.

Research on the syndrome is still ongoing with a variety of fundraisers happening all across the United States to support therapies for MS as well.