In a study by Peters et al. (2025), researchers explored how conditions like cachexia (loss of muscle, weight, and fat) and frailty (loss of weight and muscle) might affect the risk of developing ALS. They used data from the UK Biobank cohort, adjusting for factors like age, sex, income, body mass index, location of the UK Biobank centers, and smoking status. The findings indicated that individuals with cachexia or frailty had a higher risk of developing ALS. Specifically, for those with frailty, having a grip strength below 21 kilograms, a slow walking pace, and frequent feelings of exhaustion were linked to an increased risk of ALS.
The study suggests that monitoring cachexia and frailty could be important in understanding and potentially treating ALS. Peters et al. believe that the association between these physical conditions and ALS underscores the importance of considering cachexia and frailty in ALS research. Their work points to the potential of using these conditions as part of the definition and treatment approach for ALS, which could lead to better management of the disease.
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