Increased incidence of motor neuron disease in Sweden: a population-based study during 2002-2021

Motor neuron diseases (MND), with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis constituting most cases, are rare conditions of unknown etiology. There have been reports of an increase in incidence during the latter half of the twentieth century in various Western countries, including Sweden. This study provides updated data on the incidence of MND in Sweden during the last 20 years.

Data was obtained from the Swedish National Patient Register on individuals diagnosed with MND from 2002 to 2021 and analysed in relation to group level data for the entire Swedish population. Incidence rates were calculated and presented in relation to year, age, sex, and region.

In the early 2000s, there was a crude incidence rate of 3.5-3.7 per 100,000 person-years, which then increased to 4.0-4.6 from 2008 onward. Age standardization to the starting year (2002) partially mitigated this increase. The incidence rate was greater among men compared to women and was highest within the age range of 70 to 84 years. There were indications of a higher incidence rate in the northernmost parts of the country, although the difference was not statistically significant.

The incidence rate of MND in Sweden now seems to have surpassed 4 cases per 100,000 person-years. This is higher when compared to both other European countries and previous Swedish studies. It remains to be determined if this increase reflects an actual increasing incidence of MND in Sweden or is due to other factors such as better registry coverage.