American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) Practice Exam

What is the most common age range for the onset of symptoms in ALS?

1. 10-20 years

2. 30-40 years

3. 50-60 years

4. 70+ years

The correct answer is: 50-60 years

The most common age range for the onset of symptoms in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is indeed in the 50-60 years range. Research and clinical observations have consistently shown that ALS typically manifests in adults, most commonly between the ages of 50 and 70, with the peak incidence occurring around the fifth to sixth decades of life. This age demographic is significant because it coincides with a time in life when many individuals are experiencing physical and cognitive maturity, yet the pathophysiological processes associated with neurodegenerative diseases can begin to take their toll. Furthermore, the gradual progression of symptoms such as muscle weakness, atrophy, and difficulties with speech often begin to appear in this age cohort, which aligns with how ALS presents clinically. When considering other age ranges, the onset of ALS in younger individuals, such as those in their teens or 20s, is exceptionally rare. Cases that do occur in these younger populations are atypical and may not follow the common demographic trends observed in most patients. Hence, other age ranges such as 30-40 years or 70+ years also do not reflect the most frequent presentations of ALS, as the majority of diagnosed cases occur within the aforementioned 50-60 year range.