An itch in the Matrix

There's something here.  I don't have the time to follow this thread right now, though.

Have at it, nerds...

Increased iron level in motor cortex of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients: an in vivo MR study

Abnormal Serum Iron-Status Indicator Changes in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Patients: A Meta-Analysis

Oral Health in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Feasibility of Oral Screening and Determinants of Poor Outcomes 

Metal uptake in host-pathogen interactions: Role of iron in Porphyromonas gingivalis interactions with host organisms

Exploring heme and iron acquisition strategies of Porphyromonas gingivalis—current facts and hypotheses

ALS is about 1 and a half times more common in men than it is in women.   Men get the disease earlier in life (average age of onset in men is about 60 and in women is about 68). 

 Men's Dementia Risk May be Doubled by Common Gene Variant
This gene encodes for a protein that helps control the levels of iron in the body.

A photographic evaluation of the long-term impact of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis on the orofacial sphere, using the example of Stephen Hawking: A historical case report     See the vortex.