July 23, 2023 12:50 – Updated July 23, 2023 12:50
Now the Norwegian Armed Forces will also carry out investigations.
Studies from Sweden and the United States both show that the incidence of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, better known as ALS, is higher among veterans who have served in war-torn areas than other military.
In Sweden, the incidence was more than doubled. Now the Norwegian Armed Forces will also carry out surveys among its veterans, writes The Defense Forum.
Will examine over 40,000 Norwegian veterans
In both the American and Swedish studies, the researchers compared the war veterans with other military personnel who had not served abroad.
In Sweden, the veterans had lower total mortality, while the incidence of ALS was more than doubled, according to the Defense Forum.
The findings have led to the Norwegian Armed Forces’ health register conducting a separate investigation into the incidence of ALS among Norwegian veterans who have taken part in international operations.
This amounts to just over 43,000 people. Under 3,000 of them are women, and since there are so few, the Armed Forces’ survey will only apply to men.
Preliminary analyzes in the survey show that the incidence of ALS in this group was 24 per cent higher than expected.
More studies
The Norwegian Armed Forces’ health register also shows that several studies have found an increased incidence of the disease among veterans who have been exposed to chemical warfare agents, lead and copper. It also says that trauma to the head is associated with ALS.
ALS is according to Healthcare a rare nerve disease in which nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord wither and disappear. This leads to gradually increasing paralysis and muscle wasting, and in some cases cognitive difficulties.
Several studies and attempts to find a cure for the disease have so far proved difficult. Nevertheless, early detection is important to be able to treat the symptoms for as long as possible. Now, ALS patients have an average life expectancy of three years after being diagnosed.
New Swedish research is now working on developing an ALS and Parkinson’s test, where you can use a saliva sample to detect the disease before symptoms have started to appear.
2023-07-23 10:50:42
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