Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis among Guamanians in California.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is known to be prevalent among the Chamorros or natives of Guam and the other Mariana Islands. In a survey of adult Chamorros who had been residing in California it was found that the prevalence was equally high among that group. Guamanians residing in California were found to eat diets similar to those of other Californians and to be living in housing which was similar to that of the other California populations of the same income status. A few native articles of food which were received occasionally by some of the Guamanians were not believed to be of etiologic significance in ALS. The data on the prevalence of ALS among the Guamanians in California suggested that change of environment from Guam to California does not prevent the disease in persons predisposed to it. The data support the view that ALS is due to a genetic mechanism.