Epidemiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Abstract

We searched for full-text publications in Russian and English in the E-Library, PubMed, Springer, Clinical keys, Google Scholar databases, using keywords and combined word searches (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis - ALS, motor neuron disease, epidemiology, incidence, prevalence), for 2015 – 2020. In addition, the review included earlier publications of historical interest. Despite our comprehensive searches of these commonly used databases and search terms, it cannot be excluded that some publications may have been missed. A total of 74 publications were analyzed, reflecting epidemiological studies of ALS in 168 countries. The incidence of ALS worldwide varies from 0.4 per 100,000 per year (Ecuador) to 9.45 per 100,000 per year (Japan, Oshima region). Prevalence - from 0.1 per 100,000 population (Somalia) to 42.1 per 100,000 population (Canada). This data depends on many factors, including the quality of the diagnosis and the health care system.