Genetic aspects of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and progressive bulbar paralysis

Abstract

SUMMARY In this preliminary report the question of the inheritance of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is discussed. Through systematic search within the province of Westphalia and especially in the District of Münster, we found 251 index cases out of a population of about 250.000 neuro-psychiatric patients observed during the last 30 years. This material is being analysed from a clinical as well as from a genetic standpoint. The family study will be a basis for determination of the mode of inheritance. As for the sporadic cases of Charcot's disease, the effect of mutations must be taken into consideration.