RISK FACTORS OF AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS IN GEORGIA.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Epidemiology
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease.
• Identifying risk factors is crucial for understanding ALS etiology.
• Previous research has explored genetic and environmental links to ALS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify occupational and environmental risk factors for ALS in Georgian patients.
• To investigate the association between head trauma and ALS risk.
• To explore geographical variations in ALS incidence within Georgia.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study involving 53 ALS patients and 50 healthy controls.
• Utilized a questionnaire for environmental exposures and toxins.
• Included MRI and Electromyography (EMG) for patient assessment.

Main Results:

• Occupations in mechanics, painting, or construction were associated with increased ALS risk (p<0.05).
• Head trauma causing loss of consciousness significantly increased ALS risk (p<0.01).
• Higher ALS prevalence was observed in Tbilisi and Imereti regions (p<0.05).

Conclusions:

• Certain occupational exposures and head trauma are significant risk factors for ALS in Georgia.
• Geographical disparities in ALS incidence suggest potential environmental influences.
• Further investigation into specific environmental hazards in high-incidence regions is warranted.