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Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease defined by the presence of muscle weakness. The motor features of disease are heterogeneous in site of onset and progression. There are also extra-motor features in some patients. The genetic basis for extra-motor features is uncertain. The heterogeneity of ALS is an issue for clinical trials. Areas covered: This paper reviews the range and prevalence of extra-motor features associated with ALS, and highlights the current information about genetic associations with extra-motor features. Expert commentary: There are extra-motor features of ALS, but these are not found in all patients. The most common is cognitive abnormality. More data is required to ascertain whether extra-motor features arise with progression of disease. Extra-motor features are reported in patients with a range of causative genetic mutations, but are not found in all patients with these mutations. Further studies are required of the heterogeneity of ALS, and genotype/phenotype correlations are required, taking note of extra-motor features.

Original publication

DOI

10.1080/14737175.2017.1273772

Type

Journal article

Journal

Expert Rev Neurother

Publication Date

06/2017

Volume

17

Pages

561 - 577

Keywords

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, autonomic disturbance, cognitive impairmemt, motor neuron disease, sensory disturbance, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Disease Progression, Humans, Mutation