What are the types of ALS?
ALS is categorized in three major types – familial ALS, classic sporadic ALS and Mariana Island forms. About 90-95% of people are diagnosed with classic sporadic ALS in the United States. The familial ALS is an uncommon form, which is genetic or inherited. It usually affects younger people below the age of 47 years. Mariana Island form is a very rare type of ALS. What are the causes of ALS? The exact cause of ALS is not known. Approximately 10% cases of ALS are associated with heredity. In some cases of inherited ALS, there is a mutation of SOD1 gene, which is known for producing antioxidant enzymes. This enzyme helps to prevent the cell damage due to free radicals produced during oxygen metabolism. According to the latest studies, some possible causes of ALS are increased levels of glutamate (chemical messenger in the brain) and autoimmune responses. People between the age of 40 and 60 years, people in the military service as well as people living in West New Guinea, Guam and parts of
