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Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in Finland. I: An epidemiologic study
Acta Neurologica Scandinavica
|September 1, 1977
Summary
This study found Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) prevalence in Finland was 3.56 per 100,000, with higher rates in men and southeastern regions. Younger onset and slower progression were noted in prevalence cases compared to mortality data.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease.
- Understanding ALS prevalence and distribution is crucial for public health planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and geographical distribution of ALS in Finland.
- To compare disease characteristics between prevalence and mortality cohorts.
Main Methods:
- A nationwide prevalence study was conducted on January 1, 1973.
- Data were collected from hospital records and the National Pension Institute.
- Prevalence rates were calculated per 100,000 population, stratified by sex and county.
Main Results:
- A total of 168 living ALS patients were identified.
- The overall prevalence was 3.56 cases per 100,000 population (4.25/100,000 for men, 1.92/100,000 for women).
- ALS was more prevalent in southeastern Finland, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.5:1.
- Prevalence cases showed earlier onset (51.9 years) and slower progression (3.7 years) than mortality cases (58.0 years onset, 2.6 years duration).
Conclusions:
- The study highlights geographical variations in ALS distribution within Finland.
- Differences in onset age and disease duration suggest potential biases in mortality statistics, with younger/milder cases potentially underrepresented.
- These findings may be applicable to ALS patterns in other countries.