Strengthening care and research in ALS in Southeast Asia: a call for action
In Southeast Asia (SEA), healthcare resources, infrastructure, and access to therapies in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) remain limited compared to other parts of the Asia-Pacific region. Many SEA countries continue to face delays in diagnosis, fragmented care pathways, and limited representation in international research. Beyond health system challenges, ALS in SEA may also differ biologically. Emerging studies suggest that genetic variants and clinical phenotypes in Asian populations are not fully mirrored in Western cohorts. In this report, the authors summarize their country-specific background and status of care in ALS as well as their consensus on future strategies and actions. Key short- and long-term strategies are proposed, highlighting the critical need for regional collaboration and patient engagement to advance ALS care and research in the region.
Authors
- Jakkrit Amornvit (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9278-2067)
- Ohnmar Ohnmar (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4866-9120)
- Dayangku Siti Nur Ashikin Pengiran Tengah
- Mario del Prado
- Ludwig Damian
- Wai-Yee Fung (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8240-3273)
- Kongkiat Kulkantrakorn (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7868-1385)
- Arada Rojana-udomsart
- Rabani Remli (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3988-7609)
- Nortina Shahrizaila (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0031-7692)
- Sheila Agustini
- Kay Ng
- Dhayalen Krishnan (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7213-7351)
- Josiah Chai
- Dk Hjh Norazieda Pg Hj Mohd Yassin
- Ahmad Yanuar
- Southanalinh Keovilayhong
- Tu Quoc Le Tuan
- Nurul Fadli
- Minh Duc Nguyen Tran
- Hoang T. T. Nghia
Institutions
- University of the Philippines System (PH)
- Thammasat University (TH)
- Chulalongkorn University (TH)
- Hospital Kuala Lumpur (MY)
- Triemli Hospital (CH)
- East Yangon General Hospital (MM)
- Military Hospital (PK)
- University of Indonesia (ID)
- University of Malaya (MY)
- St. Luke's Medical Center (PH)
- Mayo Clinic Hospital (US)
- National Neuroscience Institute (SG)
- Neurological Institute of Thailand (TH)
- National University Hospital (SG)
- Clinical Research Consortium (US)
- University Of Medicine 1 Yangon (MM)
- Royal Rehabilitation Centre (AU)
- University of the Philippines Manila (PH)
- National University of Malaysia (MY)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Degeneration
- Published
- 2026-05-21
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1080/21678421.2026.2671159
- Primary Topic
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Research
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00