ALS, or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (also known as Lou Gehrig's disease), is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting motor neurons, and it's not something anyone "gets" through everyday actions or choices —most cases arise from complex, poorly understood interactions between genetics and environmental factors.

Core Causes

About 90-95% of ALS cases are sporadic , meaning they occur without a clear family history or known trigger. The remaining 5-10% are familial , linked to specific gene mutations like C9orf72 (25-40% of inherited cases) or SOD1 (12-20%). These genetic changes disrupt neuron function, leading to muscle control loss, but you can't "catch" ALS—it's not contagious or directly caused by lifestyle alone.

Key Risk Factors

While no single factor guarantees ALS, research highlights these associations:

  • Age : Most common between 60-80 years old, peaking around 75.
  • Genetics : Inherited mutations increase risk, but sporadic cases may involve random genetic changes.
  • Sex : Slightly higher in men before age 65, equalizing later.
  • Environmental exposures : Links to heavy metals (lead, mercury), pesticides, solvents, smoking (especially men), electric shocks, head injuries, or intense physical trauma—though causation isn't proven.
  • Other theories : Defective glutamate metabolism, mitochondrial issues, protein clumps (like TDP-43), inflammation, or viral factors may contribute.

Factor Type| Examples| Strength of Link 39
---|---|---
Genetic| C9orf72, SOD1 mutations| Strong (familial cases)
Environmental| Pesticides, smoking, metals| Moderate (associations)
Demographic| Age 60-80, male <65| Established risk elevators

Latest Insights (as of 2026)

Research evolves rapidly—no major 2026 breakthroughs reported yet, but ongoing studies emphasize exposome (lifetime environmental exposures interacting with genes). Clinical trials target gene therapies and neuroprotection, with no cure but treatments like Riluzole slowing progression.

Prevention & Myths

No proven way to prevent ALS , but minimizing risks like smoking cessation, head protection in sports, and safe chemical handling makes sense. Busting myths: Vaccines, diet fads, or stress don't cause it—focus on early symptoms (muscle weakness, twitching) for diagnosis.

"ALS likely stems from gene-environment interplay, not one simple trigger." – Summarizing NIH & Mayo insights

TL;DR : ALS isn't "caught" like a cold; it's mostly sporadic with genetic/environmental roots. Consult a neurologist for concerns.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.