Much of what causes the 90% of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) cases that occur sporadically remains a mystery. However, one risk factor that is supported by a large body of evidence is service in the military. In recent decades, a number of studies have shown that veterans’ have a significantly higher chance of being diagnosed with ALS than the general population. Studies have found that 1 in 6 people living with ALS have served in the military in some capacity, and veterans have a roughly 50 percent higher risk of dying from ALS than the general population.
Exploring this connection is an important part of our work at ALS TDI – and it has led to many important steps in both our own science and the wider ALS research community. To explain more about what we know about the connection between the military and ALS, as well as ALS TDI’s history working with veterans to advance the cause of ALS research, we’re joined by ALS TDI’s Senior Director of Development, Carol Hamilton.
Much of what causes the 90% of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) cases that occur sporadically remains a mystery. However, one risk factor that is supported by a large body of evidence is service in the military. In recent decades, a number of studies have shown that veterans’ have a significantly higher chance of being diagnosed with ALS than the general population. Studies have found that 1 in 6 people living with ALS have served in the military in some capacity, and veterans have a roughly 50 percent higher risk of dying from ALS than the general population.
Exploring this connection is an important part of our work at ALS TDI – and it has led to many important steps in both our own science and the wider ALS research community. To explain more about what we know about the connection between the military and ALS, as well as ALS TDI’s history working with veterans to advance the cause of ALS research, we’re joined by ALS TDI’s Senior Director of Development, Carol Hamilton.