Genetic ALS
fast facts

ALS is a disease we’ve known about for more than a hundred years–but only recently scientists have discovered what role specific genetic mutations play in the disease.

What is ALS?Genetic ALS fast facts

2 min read

Genetic mutations have been identified that play a role in both familial (fALS) and sporadic ALS (sALS). These recent discoveries and other scientific advances have led us to talk about ALS in a new way.

Genetic ALS fast facts

Even people with no family
history of
the disease (sALS) may have genetic ALS

The majority of the total ALS population (around 90%) are estimated to be diagnosed with sALS, and of these, ~10% are estimated to have a genetic component to their disease.

There are four genetic
mutations
most
commonly associated with ALS

C9orf72, SOD1, TARDBP and FUS mutations (listed in order of decreasing occurrence) have all been found in people with both sALS and fALS.

Learnings from ongoing
clinical trials may help inform
clinical care

Speak with your doctor to determine whether you meet the criteria for enrollment in a trial.

The potential benefits and risks of genetic
testing in ALS should be discussed with
your physician

People diagnosed with ALS should talk to their doctor about the potential benefits and risks of genetic testing.

No-charge genetic testing

Genetic testing can provide important information about your ALS.
Talk to your doctor about testing today.

Read more