ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) is a progressive neurological disorder that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness and eventually complete paralysis. Although the exact cause of ALS is unknown, research suggests that both environmental and genetic factors may play a role.
Risk Factors for ALS
There are several potential risk factors for developing ALS, including age, sex, and family history.
Age: The risk of developing ALS increases with age, with most cases occurring in people over the age of 60.
Sex: Men are more likely to develop ALS than women.
Family History: Having a family member with ALS increases the risk, but the overall risk is still very low.
How Common is ALS?
ALS is a rare disorder, affecting around 2 in every 100,000 people in the United States.
What Are My Chances of Getting ALS?
If you do not have any of the risk factors listed above, your risk of developing ALS is very low. However, if you have a family history of ALS, your risk is slightly higher. The best way to determine your risk is to speak with your doctor about your family history and any other risk factors you may have.