Heterogeneity of frequencies of motor neuron disease across ethnicities and geographical areas: focus on Arabic countries in the Mediterranean area.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose of review

Although amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) epidemiology has been increasingly characterized in many regions, data from Arabic countries remain limited. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge on the burden of ALS in Arabic Mediterranean countries, with a particular focus on Egypt.

Recent findings

ALS exhibits significant geographic and ethnic variability in terms of incidence, phenotype, and genetic background. Data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 show that Egypt has one of the lowest age-standardized rates of ALS incidence, prevalence, and mortality in the Mediterranean basin. During the past three decades, Egypt has seen a notable decline in ALS-related Disability-Adjusted Life Years and deaths, in contrast to neighboring countr

SUBMITTER: Logroscino G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12708033 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature