Why do people with ALS survive for more than five years?

Facts You Should Know. ALS is not contagious. Although the life expectancy of a person with ALS averages about two to five years from the time of diagnosis, this disease is variable, and many people can live with the disease for five years and more. read more

Yes, 20% live longer than 5 years. Some of endurance may be the genetic and the personal fortitude of the people. There is also a big group of diseases lumped together as ALS. 5–10% of PALS (persons with ALS) have a genetic component, although there appear to be multiple genetic factors. read more

While the average survival time is 3 years, about twenty percent of people with ALS live five years, 10 percent will survive ten years and five percent will live 20 years or more. Progression is not always a straight line in an individual either. read more

A small study published in 2003 in the journal Neurology found that, out of 70 people with ALS in Tokyo who opted for tracheostomy ventilation, 33 survived more than five years on it. In that group were three people who lived for 10 years on tracheostomy ventilation and two who survived for 18 years. read more