The Epidemiology of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in New Hampshire, USA, 2004-2007

Background/aims: Trends in disease incidence and mortality can provide clues to disease etiology. Previously, we described a town in New Hampshire (N.H.), USA, with 25 times the expected incidence rate of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This study aimed to describe the incidence and mortality of ALS across the state to assess rates relative to other states and industrialized nations.

Method: A retrospective review of records from regional ALS centers, clinics and ALS organizations was conducted to obtain demographics and diagnostic details for patients diagnosed with ALS or primary lateral sclerosis in N.H. from January 2004 to December 2007. Data on mortality from review of death certificates were obtained for a similar time frame.

Results: We identified 113 N.H. residents diagnosed with ALS in 2004-2007, yielding an age-standardized incidence rate ranging from 1.3 to 2.2 per 100,000 of the population per year. During the same period, the standardized mortality rate per 100,000 varied from 2.6 to 3.5. ALS was more common among men (ratio 1.6:1), who were more likely than women to have an earlier age at onset (59 ± 14.2 vs. 65 ± 11.8 years, p = 0.01).

Conclusion: While localized areas in N.H. with high ALS incidence rates have been reported previously, the overall incidence and mortality rates of ALS in N.H. are similar to those in other industrialized nations.