Do I need to take medication?

Here is My Question:
I am 69, almost. You have told me I should not be concerned at my age for any relapses, so don't need to take any medication for my MS. My MS was not diagnosed until I had my worst relapse at age 64 in 2012. They put me on Rebif (liver), and other things different times after. My worst problem has always been memory and cognitive issues, which have gotten worse because I have taken nothing since my aneurysm in 2015.

My feet and legs are very painful now, which never had much problem with except for the pins and needles. Anyway, in 2017, I had another MRI and they found I have 33 new lesions, as I started out with 2 in 2012. I also had a spinal tap and lots of blood work to rule out anything else. My concern now is cognitive. I can't remember directions to places and my daughter moved into a new house and I complained I had only been there once. She told me, no, you have been here 4 or 5 times. So, you get my general idea and concern.

The neurologist I am going to wanted to me try Tecfidera. He tested me and said I definitely had cognitive issues. He is allowing me to wait until August and have another MRI, see if there are anymore lesions to see if I got worse without medication. So, I guess, I don't know what to do. No medication will help me? That is what you told me earlier. I would like to read an article about this, but you never gave that to me. I would appreciate that.

Scary when you are getting older, you don't want to add to "old age" issues. I have a lot of responsibility at my age. Taking care of 96 year old father, husband with diabetes, etc. I must stay well. These are my concerns. Terrible fatigues as well. I am also suffering from high blood pressure, which scares me because of aneurysm, but I am taking my med for that. Just too many things to think about, I suppose. Forgive me for telling all that, but I just want some good advice. Conclusion: so even though I have a lot more lesions develop in my mid 60's, it is very rare to have a relapse. My new neurologist told me that's crazy.

Answer:
If you previously saw me in clinic (and your message seems to imply you have seen me as a patient), please contact me at UCSD through the EPIC MyChart system, so I can review the details of your illness and get back to you directly with my thoughts

People at your age can have very active MS, but it is rare. When this occurs it is always important to know if there are contributing factors (e.g. chronic smoking) or the diagnosis is incorrect.

Revere (Rip) Kinkel MD
Professor of Clinical Neurosciences
Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Program
Clinical Neurosciences Director
University of California San Diego