What differences can there be in the ALS progression rate?

The ALS progression rate (ALSPR) indicates how quickly motor symptoms and functional deficits progress in patients with ALS.

It is calculated using the following formula: ALSPR = (48 – current ALSFRS-R score)/duration of illness in months. The ALSFRS-R (ALS Functional Rating Scale) is a scale that assesses symptoms and/or motor functions in the areas of speech, swallowing, hand and arm functions, mobility and breathing.

The progression rate helps to better assess the course of the disease and differentiate between three forms of progression. A distinction is made between three types of progression: slower progression(decrease of < 0.5 ALSFRS-R scale points per month), medium progression (0.5 to 1.0 scale points per month) and faster progression (> 1.0 scale points per month). This classification supports both the determination of the prognosis and the planning of treatment measures and care.