5-10% of people with ALS inherit it.
Commonly occurs between the ages of 40-60.
Men are affected more than women.
Smoking increases the risk twice as much than a nonsmoker.
People that are in the military service are exposed to certain metals or chemicals, traumatic injuries, viral infections and intense exertion. They are not sure what causes this but one of these may be the cause.

Who's at risk:
Over 5,600 people in the United States develop this disease each year.
60% are men and 93% are Caucasian
Although this disease is hereditary military veterans that were deployed during the gulf war are twice as likely to develop ALS

Risk Factors: