Is ALS hereditary?

Heredity means that a disease is passed down through the generations. In around 5% of all people with ALS, it is known that other family members also have ALS or have died as a result of ALS. If several family members have the disease, it is very likely that there are hereditary factors (changes in the genetic material) that cause the disease to be passed on. Overall, the hereditary form of ALS is low. For the most part, ALS is not a hereditary disease.