Cigarette smoking may promote the development of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a degenerative disease that destroys the nerves controlling the skeletal muscles, resulting in inability to perform activities requiring voluntary movements, such as walking, talking, and chewing. This study examined the impact of cigarette smoking on the risk of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis .Researchers analyzed data obtained from more than I million men and women.
Data analysis showed that smokers had greater risk of acquiring amyotrophic lateral sclerosis than never smokers. This study provides evidence that cigarette smoking may raise an individual's odds of having amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.