Question:
What are the incidence and prevalence rates of ALS?
The Epidemiology Of ALS
Over the past three decades, ALS has developed an equal distribution in all major countries worldwide. The disease has an incidence rate of 2 per 100,000 people. The occurrence of ALS is higher in men than in women, and 5,600 new cases occur each year in the United States. However, the prevalence rate for men and women is almost identical, as we get older. It is estimated the prevalence rate of ALS in the United States is 5 per 100,000 of the total population. This would mean if you were gathered in a crowd of 100,000 people, at least five of these people would be diagnosed with ALS within this specified population, and during this particular time.
The number of patients diagnosed with ALS is high in the United States and England compared to other major countries with the same population. Countries such as Italy and Poland were discovered to have lower incidence rates than other countries such as the United States.
However, during the early to mid 1990s, there were a number of clusters cases diagnosed in Japan, Micronesia, and Indonesia with a local incidence rate at least fifty times higher than the worldwide incidence rate.
Usually people diagnosed with ALS are 40-70 years old, with an average life expectancy of 2-5 years. Twenty percent will survive for five years, and 10 percent of ALS patients will live for at least ten years.
ALS Frequently Asked Questions
Has there been a lot of research completed on ALS?
My doctor has prescribed Rilutek. How does this drug function?
Has the ALS Association funded any research?
Can you provide more details about TREAT ALS?
Should I consider participating in ALS Research?
How does Phase III clinical research trials differ from Phase I and Phase II?
Which centers are working on ALS research?
Has research been previously completed on ALS?
Are there any upcoming trials to look forward to?
Help me find information on ALS Research?
Which diseases are the differential diagnosis for ALS?
I have been feeling weaknes in my body. Could it be ALS?
I have been referred to a neurologist. What can I expect during this visit?
How important is the neurological exam in diagnosing ALS?
Which laboratory tests are necessary to diagnose ALS?
I am scheduled for a CSF analysis. What does this test mean?
Why did the neurologist schedule an MRI for me?
I have heard an Electromyography is important in diagnosing ALS. Can you explain it a little more?
I wonder if bone cancer is causing my symptoms?
Are there more than one form of ALS?
Tell me more about Sporadic ALS? How common is it?
What are many chances of getting ALS if my dad or mom had it?
Is Guamanian ALS only located in Guam?
How do the different forms of ALS differ?
Who first made wrote details on ALS?
What are the incidence and prevalence rates of ALS?
Is ALS known as any other names?
What is Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)?
What symptoms can I expect during the early stages of this disease?
I developed muscle weakness and was later diagnosed with ALS. Is it commmon to feel this weak?
What symptoms can I expect with upper motor neuron involvement?
What symptoms can I expect with lower motor neuron involvement?
Can I expect any other symptoms as I battle ALS?
Which symptoms am I not likely to experience with ALS?
What is the difference between Limb-onset ALS versus Bulbar-onset ALS?
"Spastic bulbar palsy" sounds complicated. What is it exactly?
What can I expect during the end stages of ALS?
Is Rilutek the only medication used in ALS?
Will I benefit from physical therapy as an ALS patient?
Is occupational therapy necessary when diagnosed with ALS?
I am noticing problems with my speech. Can a speech pathologist help me?
My father who has ALS has stopped eating large meals. What do I do?
I have just been diagnosed with ALS and need to talk to someone. Who do I talk to?
I have heard I will develop problems with breathing. Which type of doctor do I see?
What is the purpose of the ALS C.A.R.E. database?
