The ALS Association is discussing the 2011 discovery of a gene irregularity at chromosome 9. The discovery was made by two independent research teams, both funded by the ALS Association. The Association states that the newly-identified genetic mutation is a genetic link between frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), that it accounts for one third of familial ALS, and that it is also the strongest genetic risk factor found to date for the more common, non-inherited (sporadic) forms of ALS and FTD. Lucie Bruijn, Chief Scientist for the Association, insists that the “greater the understanding of FTD and ALS, the greater the chances of finding a treatment”.
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