The disease may be inherited, although no heredity pattern exists in the majority of ALS cases. 5-10% of ALS patients have a genetic or inherited component. Of those, 50% of their offspring are expected to have the disease. Most who develop ALS are between the ages of 40 and 70. Though, 'sporadic' ALS can affect anyone, anytime and both sexes and all races are affected in nearly equal numbers. | The disease may be inherited, although no heredity pattern exists in the majority of ALS cases. 5-10% of ALS patients have a genetic or inherited component. Of those, 50% of their offspring are expected to have the disease. Most who develop ALS are between the ages of 40 and 70. Though, 'sporadic' ALS can affect anyone, anytime and both sexes and all races are affected in nearly equal numbers. |