Men who spend time hunting, golfing, and gardening have an increased risk of developing ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis).
- Men who spend time swimming, playing golf, working with wood or metal, hunting, shooting, and gardening are at increased risk of developing ALS.
- The authors of the research believe this may possibly come from environmental pollutants.
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Charcot disease, is a neurodegenerative pathology that leads to progressive paralysis and then the death of the patient in just two to five years.
A new study indicates that men who engage in hobbies such as golfing, gardening and woodworking are at higher risk of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Charcot disease.
Charcot disease: which hobbies increase the risk?
“We know that occupational risk factors, such as working in manufacturing and commerce, are linked to increased risk of ALS,” said Dr. Stephen Goutman, director of research, in a press release. “This study adds to a growing body of scientific literature that suggests recreational activities may also represent important and possibly modifiable risk factors for this disease,” he continues.
In their research, Goutman and his colleagues surveyed 400 people with ALS (all recruited from a University of Michigan clinic) as well as 287 people without the disease. They asked them to answer a questionnaire about their favorite hobbies. All data collected was then stratified by sex.
After analysis, scientists found that men who spent time swimming, playing golf, working with wood or metal, hunting, shooting, and gardening all had an increased risk of developing ALS. Golf was found to be the most dangerous pastime, with a three times higher risk of developing Charcot disease.
Why do certain hobbies increase the risk of ALS?
How can we explain this curious association? The research authors believe this may possibly come from environmental pollutants. For example, golfers and gardeners can be exposed to pesticides while moving around the course. The same goes for carpenters, who may be exposed to formaldehyde and other organic solvents present in resins or wood treatments.
“In our study, some risks of developing Charcot disease are gender specific, suggesting that factors influencing ALS may differ between men and women. This new perspective requires additional research.”conclude the scientists.
What is Charcot disease?
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative pathology that causes progressive paralysis and then death of the patient in just two to five years. It is caused by the death of motor neurons, the nerve cells that control muscles in the brain and spinal cord.
No curative treatment exists to date, and the diagnosis of ALS is still difficult to make.
