Get Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Most people who develop ALS are between the ages of 40 and 70, with an average age of 55 at the time of diagnosis. However, cases of the disease do occur in people in their twenties and thirties. ALS is 20% more common in men than women.

Established risk factors for ALS include: Heredity. Five to 10 percent of the people with ALS inherited it (familial ALS ). ... Age. ALS risk increases with age, and is most common between the ages of 40 and the mid-60s. Sex. Before the age of 65, slightly more men than women develop ALS . ... Genetics.

The causes of ALS are unknown at present, but researchers are focusing on several possible theories, including gene mutations, overabundance of the neurotransmitter glutamate (which can be toxic to nerve cells), autoimmune response (in which the body's immune system attacks normal cells) and the gradual accumulation of ...

Early symptoms include: Muscle twitches in the arm, leg, shoulder, or tongue. Muscle cramps. Tight and stiff muscles (spasticity) Muscle weakness affecting an arm, a leg, the neck, or diaphragm. Slurred and nasal speech. Difficulty chewing or swallowing.

Although the mean survival time with ALS is two to five years, some people live five years, 10 years or even longer. Symptoms can begin in the muscles that control speech and swallowing or in the hands, arms, legs or feet.

The causes of ALS are unknown at present, but researchers are focusing on several possible theories, including gene mutations, overabundance of the neurotransmitter glutamate (which can be toxic to nerve cells), autoimmune response (in which the body's immune system attacks normal cells) and the gradual accumulation of ...

Prevention Tips There is no definite method to prevent ALS. However, people with ALS can participate in clinical trials, the National ALS Registry, and the National ALS Biorepository. This participation may help researchers learn about potential causes and risk factors of the disease.