Article

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rare neurodegenerative disease with a
fatal outcome. This review aims to report key epidemiological features of ALS in
relation to the hypothesis of variation between populations, to summarize
environmental hypothesis and to highlight current issues that deserve much
considerations. Epidemiological ALS studies have shown a variation of incidence,
mortality and prevalence between geographical areas and different populations.
These data could support the notion that genetic factors, especially populations'
ancestries, along with environmental and lifestyle factors, play a significant
role in the occurrence of the disease. To date, there is no strong evidence to
confirm an association between a particular environmental factor and ALS.
Physical activity (PA) has been extensively evaluated. Recent studies support
with the best evidence level that PA in general population is not a risk factor
for ALS. However, further research is needed to clarify the association of PA in
some occupations and some athletic activities. Epidemiological research based on
multicenter international collaboration is essential to provide new data on ALS
especially in some regions of the world that are to date poorly represented in
the ALS literature.
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Langue : ANGLAIS