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Introduction
23andMe is a well-known genetic testing company that provides customers with insights about their ancestry and health. One of the most common questions asked by potential customers is whether or not 23andMe tests for ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. In this article, we will explore the answer to this question and provide additional information about ALS.
What is ALS?
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. The disease causes the motor neurons that control muscle movement to degenerate, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis, and eventually death. There is currently no cure for ALS, and the cause of the disease is unknown.
What is 23andMe?
23andMe is a genetic testing company that provides customers with information about their ancestry and health. The company was founded in 2006 and has since become one of the most popular genetic testing companies in the world. 23andMe offers a variety of genetic tests, including tests for health conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and breast cancer.
Does 23andMe test for ALS?
Unfortunately, 23andMe does not currently test for ALS. The company’s health reports focus on conditions that have a genetic component and for which there are known genetic risk factors. While there is evidence that genetics may play a role in the development of ALS, the disease is not yet well understood enough for 23andMe to offer a test for it.
Other ways to test for ALS
While 23andMe does not offer a test for ALS, there are other ways to test for the disease. ALS is typically diagnosed through a combination of clinical exams, electromyography (EMG), nerve conduction studies, and imaging tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A definitive diagnosis of ALS can only be made through a combination of these tests.
Genetic testing and ALS
While 23andMe does not test for ALS, there is ongoing research into the genetics of the disease. In recent years, scientists have identified several genes that are associated with an increased risk of developing ALS. These genes include C9orf72, SOD1, TARDBP, and FUS. However, having a mutation in one of these genes does not necessarily mean that a person will develop ALS.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 23andMe does not currently offer a test for ALS. While there is ongoing research into the genetics of the disease, it is not yet well understood enough for a genetic testing company to offer a test for it. If you are concerned about ALS, it is important to speak with your doctor and undergo the appropriate clinical testing.
