What is the prevalence of Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease?

How many people does Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease affect? Does it have the same prevalence in men and women? And in the different countries?


Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (CMT) is a group of inherited neurological disorders that affect the peripheral nerves, resulting in muscle weakness and sensory loss. It is one of the most common inherited neurological disorders, with a global prevalence estimated to be around 1 in 2,500 individuals. CMT can affect people of all ethnicities and both genders.



The prevalence of CMT varies among different populations. In some regions, the prevalence may be higher due to specific genetic mutations or founder effects. For example, certain subtypes of CMT are more prevalent in certain ethnic groups, such as CMT1A in individuals of European descent.



CMT is typically diagnosed in adolescence or early adulthood, although it can manifest at any age. The symptoms and severity of CMT can vary widely, even among individuals with the same subtype. Some individuals may experience mild symptoms and lead relatively normal lives, while others may have significant disability and require mobility aids.



Early diagnosis and management are crucial in CMT to optimize quality of life and prevent complications. Genetic testing and clinical evaluations can help confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment strategies. Ongoing research aims to further understand the genetic basis of CMT and develop targeted therapies to improve outcomes for individuals affected by this condition.


by Diseasemaps

It is weird to say it this way but it is a commonly rare disorder

5/21/18 by Joe 4050

CMT is commonly reported as occurring in 1 in 2,500 people, making it the most common type of inherited neuropathy. Anecdotally, diagnosis rates seem to be substantially below this, perhaps due to those with the disease but who have very mild to negligible symptoms never seeing diagnosis.

5/22/18 by Caroline 650

It affects 1 in 2500 people world wide. It is the most commonly inherited neuropathy.

5/22/18 by Dawn 4050

Roughly 1 in 2500 people are affected worldwide, or approximately 2,800,000.

5/23/18 by Karencmt 2620

Approximately 1 in 2,500 people in the United States.

5/23/18 by SavShelton 2550

I believe it is 1 in 2,500 people. CMT indiscriminately affects people of both genders and all backgrounds.

5/29/18 by Daniel 4200

It is the most common inherited neurological disorders, affecting approximately 1 in 2,500 people. It is an equal opportunity disorder affecting both men and women. Although born with the disease some people are not diagnosed until adulthood. Symptoms may develop as a toddler or not until later in life.

2/7/20 by Roberta 1900

In the early 1980s I was told one in every 25,000 people had it. Today the numbers are one in every 2,500 people have it. It’s called the most common rare disease. One of the most often misdiagnosed.

2/8/20 by Skrick 650

IT IS ONE IN 2500 THROUGHOUT THE WORLD. IT IS OFTEN REFERRED TO AS THE "MOST COMMON DISEASE YOU HAVE NEVER HEARD OF." ONE IN 2500 IS THE UPPER THRESHOLD FOR A DISEASE TO BE CONSIDERED RARE.

2/9/20 by Jim 3000
Translated from spanish Improve translation

Occurs both in males and females and it is known that 1 out of every 2500 person has the disease

9/4/17 by Lorena. Translated

Top questions

What is the life expectancy of someone with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease?

Celebrities with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease

Is Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease hereditary?

Is Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease contagious?

Is there any natural treatment for Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease?

View more questions of Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease

World map of Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease


Find people with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease through the map. Connect with them and share experiences. Join the Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease community.

There are 999 people in the map. View Map of Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease