ALS Diagnosis and Survival Linked to Metals in Blood, Urine

A new University of Michigan-led study suggests that people with higher levels of metals found in their blood and urine may be more likely to be diagnosed with — and die from — amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS. Stephen Goutman, M.D., M.S., director of the Pranger ALS Clinic and associate director of the U-M ALS Center of Excellence, discusses the team’s findings, the importance of understanding risk factors for ALS, and implications for treatment and prevention.