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Updated: Aug 9, 2026
12:43
A Protocol for Comprehensive Assessment of Bulbar Dysfunction in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Published on: February 21, 2011
Prognosis in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a population-based study
M A del Aguila1, W T Longstreth, V McGuire
1Department of Dental Public Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
Neurology
|March 12, 2003
Summary
Accurate Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) prognosis is crucial. Key factors predicting survival include older age, female sex, bulbar onset, and lack of a partner, highlighting the disease's severity.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epidemiology
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Prognostic information for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is vital for patients, families, and healthcare providers.
- Understanding ALS progression aids in patient care and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify key prognostic factors for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
- To provide accurate survival data for ALS patients.
Main Methods:
- A population-based cohort study of 180 incident Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) patients (1990-1994) in western Washington.
- Data collection included in-person interviews for prognostic factors and SF-36 health surveys.
- Vital status was tracked through December 1999.
Main Results:
- Median survival was 32 months from symptom onset and 19 months from diagnosis; 5-year survival was 7%.
- Poor prognostic indicators included older age, female sex, bulbar features at onset, shorter time to diagnosis, and lack of a marital partner.
- Better physical health scores on the SF-36 correlated with longer survival.
Conclusions:
- Findings confirm the aggressive nature of ALS and identify critical prognostic factors.
- Key predictors of survival are age, sex, bulbar onset, time to diagnosis, marital status, and disease severity.
- Regular assessment of disease severity could enhance prognostic accuracy.
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