Neurofilament Light Chain-Derived Age in People with Multiple Sclerosis
A study compared the chronological age and neurofilament light chain (NfL)-derived age in 792 people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) and 302 controls. Results indicated that pwMS were more likely to have an NfL-derived age older than their chronological age, with significant associations to disability and disease characteristics.
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- #MSResearch
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Why it matters
This suggests pwMS may experience accelerated aging effects, which could have implications for understanding disease progression and patient management.
What this does not prove
The study cannot establish causation or infer direct effects of NfL-derived age on clinical outcomes. It also included only pwMS without recent clinical or MRI activity, limiting generalizability.
Next milestone
No next milestone was established from the available source.
Study facts
- Study design
- Observational
- Participants / samples
- 792 · basis not reported
- Randomised
- Not reported
- Controlled
- Yes
- Primary endpoint met
- Not reported
- Relevant MS type
- Not reported
- Publication date
- 2026-09-27
- Evidence reviewed
- Abstract only
- Regulatory approval
- Not reported
- Research areas
- Not classified
Original sources
- Primary evidenceEvaluating the neurofilament light chain-derived gap between biological and chronological age in multiple sclerosis and controls. ↗DOI: 10.1007/s00415-026-14157-6
Supporting passages (8)
study designMETHODS: We conducted a real-world, retrospective analysis including 792 pwMS (without evidence of clinical or MRI activity in the previous year and during follow-up) and 302 controls.
subjectsMETHODS: We conducted a real-world, retrospective analysis including 792 pwMS (without evidence of clinical or MRI activity in the previous year and during follow-up) and 302 controls.
sample size792 pwMS (without evidence of clinical or MRI activity in the previous year and during follow-up) and 302 controls.
controlledWe used logistic regression models to compare pwMS and controls in chronological and NfL-derived age groups, and linear regression models to evaluate the associations of chronological age and NfL-derived age with clinical variables (Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), disease duration, disease course, disease modifying treatment (DMT) class, number of previous DMTs) and the associations between the NfL age gap (difference between biological and chronological age) and clinical variables.
primary endpointOBJECTIVE: To compare chronological age and neurofilament light chain (NfL)-derived age in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) and controls, and to explore clinical correlates of the NfL age gap.
findingsRESULTS: PwMS showed a higher likelihood than controls of having a NfL-derived age above their chronological age (OR = 1.44;95%CI 1.10-1.87; p = 0.007).
publication datePublication date: 2026-09-27
limitationsTitle: Evaluating the neurofilament light chain-derived gap between biological and chronological age in multiple sclerosis and controls.
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