Myasthenia gravis is a rare autoimmune disease that causes muscle weakness because nerve signals are not transmitted properly. Despite these profound symptoms, the prognosis for many patients is relatively good. Recently, research showed that people with this condition live on average five years longer than the general population. This surprising result prompts further research.
The disease does not cause chronic inflammation that accelerates the ageing process, which potentially contributes to this longer life expectancy. Treatment with medication, such as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and immunosuppressants, helps most patients well. The acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are of particular interest, as they can also delay cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients.
Another possible explanation is that patients with myasthenia gravis receive more intensive medical supervision. They often receive comprehensive care and are encouraged to live more healthily and stay active. This can ensure that other age-related health problems are detected and treated earlier, which can have a positive effect on life expectancy.
It is still unclear which of these factors is precisely responsible for the longer life expectancy in this group. Further follow-up research is needed to understand this better and potentially gain new insights into healthy ageing.
This discovery shows that care, treatment and lifestyle play a major role in extending a healthy life phase.
Source: Reason
