What is ALS? / Genetic ALS fast facts
2 min read
Genetic mutations have been identified that play a role in both familial (fALS) and sporadic ALS (sALS). These recent discoveries and other scientific advances have led us to talk about ALS in a new way.
Approximately 10% of all
ALS cases
are associated
with a genetic mutation
ALS cases
are associated
with a genetic mutation
Emerging science shows that mutations in more than 25 different genes may play a role in the development of ALS and that these mutations may be present in people with fALS as well as sALS.
Even people with no family
history of
the disease (sALS) may have genetic ALS
history of
the disease (sALS) may have genetic ALS
The majority of the total ALS population (around 90%) are estimated to be diagnosed with sALS, and of these, ~10% are estimated to have a genetic component to their disease.
There are 4 genetic
mutations
most
commonly associated with ALS
mutations
most
commonly associated with ALS
C9orf72, SOD1, TARDBP and FUS mutations (listed in order of decreasing occurrence) have all been found in people with both sALS and fALS.
Findings from ongoing
clinical trials may help inform
clinical care
clinical trials may help inform
clinical care
Speak with your doctor to determine whether you meet the criteria for enrollment in a trial.
The potential benefits and risks of genetic
testing in ALS should be discussed with
your physician
testing in ALS should be discussed with
your physician
People diagnosed with ALS should talk to their doctor about the potential benefits and risks of genetic testing.
Genetic testing
Read more
Genetic testing can provide important information about your ALS.
Talk to your doctor about testing today.