Christina Applegate, 54, has shared a heartbreaking update about living with multiple sclerosis (MS), which she was diagnosed with in 2021.
The disease has significantly impacted her daily life, leaving her bedridden much of the day. She tries to stay active by taking her 15-year-old daughter, Sadie, to school, describing it as their special time together.
MS is an autoimmune disorder that attacks the brain and spinal cord, causing muscle stiffness, vision problems, and difficulty walking or speaking. There is currently no cure, and treatment focuses on managing symptoms and slowing progression.
Applegate first noticed symptoms while filming Dead to Me, including leg weakness and tingling in her toes. She now has about 30 brain lesions that sometimes cause seizure-like sensations.
She has spoken openly about the emotional and physical toll of the illness, calling it the hardest experience of her life. The actress has also revealed that Dead to Me may be her final acting role, though she hopes to work as a producer or voice actress.
Alongside her health struggles, Applegate is writing a memoir detailing her childhood trauma, toxic relationships, and battle with cancer and MS, with the goal of sharing her story honestly rather than presenting a purely inspirational narrative.