Are People Born with ALS?
Most people are not born with ALS. ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that usually develops later in life. While rare genetic forms exist, the majority of cases are sporadic and appear in adulthood.
Can ALS Be Inherited?
About 5 to 10 percent of ALS cases are familial, meaning they are inherited. Mutations in certain genes, such as C9orf72, can increase risk. Even with a family history, most people with a genetic variant do not necessarily develop symptoms at birth.
What Causes ALS to Develop?
In most cases, the exact cause is unknown. Research points to a mix of genetic susceptibility and environmental factors. For more details on ALS causes and risk factors, see the ALS Association overview at als.org.
