In August last year, Börje Salming told us that he had been affected by ALS. Many were deeply affected by the fact that he in particular became ill with the dreaded and fatal disease ALS.
Why is ALS increasing?
In recent years, we have heard more and more about ALS and many people, several in the public eye, have told us about their fight against the disease. The disease affects more and more people, but researchers still do not know why it is increasing.
— We have noticed that there are more and more patients and have started to look into it. We see it increasing and have been doing so for years, but we don’t really know why. During the coming year, we will find out more about who is affected, says Caroline Ingre, ALS researcher who was also Börje Salming’s doctor.
Extreme physical activity a theory
It is known that there is a small genetic influence, but it has also been seen that people who are extremely physically active are overrepresented.
— You are affected more in the northern regions. It’s an interesting thought that there should be a combination between a genetic vulnerability and something you expose yourself to in the environment – there are theories that it could be exercise, food, viruses or exposure to metals, says Caroline Ingre.
“We are extremely healthy right now” – hears the researcher in the player above