We performed a GWAS on AAO of ALS in a large Chinese ALS cohort and identified a novel locus which might lead to earlier AAO by regulating the expression of NEAT1. Our findings supplement the current knowledge on the genetic architecture for AAO of ALS, and provide a novel target for further research on the pathogenesis of ALS and potential therapeutic options to delay the disease onset. The gene discussed is NEAT1; the disease is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.