epidemiology
Last reviewed 01/2018
The epidemiological features of motor neurone disease are:
- incidence: approximately 2 per 100 000 per year except in endemic areas such as the Island of Guam
- prevalence: 5-6 per 100 000 of the population
- males affected more than females in ratio of 2:1
- familial link in 5-10% of cases
- age of onset - mean = 55 years; range = 16-77 years, but usually in fifth to seventh decades
Reference:
- Wolfson C et al. Incidence and prevalence of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in Canada: a systematic review of the literature.Neuroepidemiology. 2009;33(2):79-88.
- Logroscino G et al. Descriptive epidemiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: new evidence and unsolved issues. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2008; 79: 6-11.