ALS risk

Storing chemicals such as gasoline, lawn care products, and paints in a garage attached to a home was associated with an increased risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in a recent analysis. Researchers believe the findings add to knowledge about environmental exposures — workplace, recreational, or residential — that…

In people who experience a traumatic brain injury, or TBI — which is linked to a greater likelihood of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) — blocking the activity of a protein called KCNJ2 may lower the risk of ALS, according to new research done in lab models. “Targeting KCNJ2…

People with negative responses to a tuberculin skin test a few years after being vaccinated against tuberculosis had a significant, 25% lower risk of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in their lifetime, according to a study in Norway. Because a positive reaction is linked to the recruitment of T…

A new genetic risk score that takes hundreds of different genetic variations into account may help predict who’s most likely to develop amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The score needs to be validated in future studies before being used in the clinic, but could be important to stratify people according…

Allopurinol and carvedilol, two medications respectively used to manage gout and high blood pressure, significantly reduce the chances of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer’s, or Parkinson’s disease, a new study suggests. “These findings suggest a possible new direction for repurposing or developing medications for neuroprotection,” Brad…

A potential new genetic risk factor for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has been discovered by researchers at the University of Washington. The scientists say a mutation in which a region of the WDR7 gene is repeated more times than usual may increase the risk of ALS. “We believe that…

People at risk or suspected of having some of the most common neurodegenerative disorders, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), may now access a genetic test at no charge that could diagnose the condition, and open the way to treatment.  Launched by Invitae,…

People with diabetes mellitus, particularly those with type 2 diabetes, appear to be at a significantly lower risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) than those without this metabolic disorder, a review study reported. Its findings support previous research suggesting diabetes to be a protective factor against ALS, potentially…

A weak link only between a person’s current smoking study and greater risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) was seen by scientists in a U.K. study, with no evidence that lifetime smoking exposure affects such risk. The researchers believe that this weak association is likely a “false-positive,” and there…

Factors like head trauma or fracture, electric shock, playing some competitive sports, drinking water from private wells, use of herbicides for gardening, and taking specific dietary supplements all may be associated with the development of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), according to a new study. However, larger studies are required…