Motor neurone disease in the Lothian Region of Scotland 1961-81.

One hundred and sixty one patients with motor neurone disease (MND), from the Lothian Region of Scotland, were studied in an attempt to identify factors important in disease aetiology. Onset of the disease was between 1961 and 1981 and the incidence was highest between 1968 and 1975. The probability of developing MND was greatest between the ages of 65 and 69, and a greater proportion of female patients than of males had onset in the bulbar muscles. Some 5% of patients had a positive family history of MND. There was no evidence that infective agents were important in the aetiology of the disease. There was a suggestion that the patient group contained a greater number of electrical workers, food, drink and tobacco workers, and rubber workers than would have been expected. However, a larger series of patients would be needed to confirm an increased susceptibility to MND in individuals engaged in these occupations.