Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a population study

A country-wide study of the frequency of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) was undertaken in Israel for the period 1960-1970. Israel was chosen for this study because of its excellent medical facilities and detailed demographic information. Moreover, the population includes representative groups from all parts of the world for comparison of frequency. A wide variety of motor system disease was screened in all hospitals, clinics, and chronic care facilities in the country, death certificates were reviewed and physicians with a neurological practice were contacted to derive a tentative list of cases. Only those who fit strict clinical diagnostic criteria or had autopsy confirmation were included in estimates of prevalence and incidence. On January 1, 1965, the mid-point of the study, 62 patients with ALS were living in Israel. The age-adjusted prevalence of ALS on that date was 3 per 100,000 population. The average annual age-adjusted incidence for the period 1960-1970 was 0.78 per 100000 population )0.86 in males, 0.46 in females; ratio 1.9:1). There was no appreciable change in trend of incidence over the study interval. Age-specific incidence rates were similar in native-born inhabitants of Israel, immigrants from Europe and...Continue Reading