New Study Suggests Living in Disadvantaged Communities Can Cut ALS Survival by Over 30%
Living in a disadvantaged community may significantly decrease the survival time of individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by more than 30%. A recent study conducted by Michigan Medicine indicates that patients from the least resourced areas can experience up to a 37% shorter lifespan with ALS compared to those from more affluent neighborhoods.
What is ALS?
ALS, a progressive and incurable disease, leads to muscle atrophy and loss of control over movement. Typically, people with ALS survive within a span of two to four years; however, some individuals manage to prolong their lives considerably.
Study Details
The study analyzed over 1,000 patients diagnosed with ALS between 2012 and mid-2024. Researchers utilized the Area Deprivation Index, developed at the University of Wisconsin, to evaluate neighborhood disadvantages based on income, education, employment, and housing conditions.
Research Findings
Senior author Stephen Goutman, M.D., M.S., highlights the significant relationship between adverse social determinants of health and diminished survival in ALS patients. Goutman, who is the Harriet Hiller Research Professor and director of the Pranger ALS Clinic at the University of Michigan, underscores the importance of understanding the social factors influencing ALS survival to make the condition more manageable and reduce health disparities.
The High Cost of ALS Care
The financial burden of caring for an ALS patient is substantial. Individual out-of-pocket expenses can reach up to $250,000 annually, according to the ALS Association. This economic strain often forces more privileged patients to opt for extra care, potentially reducing caregiver burnout.
Exploring the Cause of Survival Differences
The study did not elucidate the specific reasons for the survival disparity between patients from disadvantaged versus resourced communities. Researchers hypothesize that socioeconomic factors may uniquely impact ALS survival due to the high cost of care, necessitating the consideration of social factors to address health disparities in ALS care.
Impact of Inflammation and Aging
Living in a disadvantaged community may also be associated with increased inflammation and accelerated biological aging, factors that could affect the progression of ALS. First author Dae Gyu Jang, Ph.D., a postdoctoral fellow in the U-M Health Department of Neurology, emphasizes the critical need to address these issues to improve the lives of ALS patients.
Future Directions
The research team acknowledges the importance of further investigation into these areas to develop necessary changes in care systems for ALS patients. Improved understanding could provide solutions to alleviate the burden of care associated with this debilitating disease.
Dr. Goutman concludes, “This work could also highlight necessary changes in the systems of care for persons living with ALS to ease the burden of care.”
Share your thoughts on this groundbreaking research and its potential impact on ALS care. Comment below, subscribe to our newsletter for more health and medical news, and don’t forget to share this article on your social media platforms.