There are two major factors that develop the risk of ALS.

Physiological Factors

• Genetics
  Genetics play an important role as specific genes mutate, and there is a risk of developing ALS. There are 5-10% of people who acquire familial ALS through a parent-child transmission.
• Age
  Age is another risk factor associated with the development of ALS. Below the age of 65, ALS is more common in men than in women.
• Sex
  Men and women above the age of 70 have the same probability of developing ALS.

Environmental Factors

• Smoking
  Studies have shown that postmenopausal women who are active smokers have a higher risk of developing ALS.
• Toxin exposure
  Toxins in the environment, such as lead, could also increase the risk of ALS.
• People serving in the military
  People serving in the military also have a higher risk of being diagnosed with ALS, although there are no specific reasons identified for this.