Is it possible to predict survival time?

It is not possible to predict an individual’s life expectancy. Too many factors determine survival time, so statistical data or measurements alone (e.g., body weight, respiratory capacity, coughing fits, or biomarker concentrations) are insufficient. In addition to objective factors such as the rate of disease progression, personal decisions regarding the acceptance (or limitation) of life-prolonging measures are also of crucial importance for predicting life expectancy. The feasibility, availability, and acceptance of nutritional and ventilatory care are key factors in survival with ALS. Other factors affecting survival time include comorbidities associated with ALS, particularly frontotemporal dementia (FTD), which has a limiting effect on survival time.