Risk Factors of ALS

Risk Factors of ALS

There are two major factors that develop the risk of ALS.

Physiological Factors

  • Genetics
    Genetics play an important role as specific genes mutate, and there is a risk of developing ALS. There are 5-10% of people who acquire familial ALS through a parent-child transmission.
  • Age
    Age is another risk factor associated with the development of ALS. Below the age of 65, ALS is more common in men than in women.
  • Sex
    Men and women above the age of 70 have the same probability of developing ALS.

Environmental Factors

  • Smoking
    Studies have shown that postmenopausal women who are active smokers have a higher risk of developing ALS.
  • Toxin exposure
    Toxins in the environment, such as lead, could also increase the risk of ALS.
  • People serving in the military
    People serving in the military also have a higher risk of being diagnosed with ALS, although there are no specific reasons identified for this.