Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
About
- ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness, atrophy, and eventual paralysis.
- It typically onset around ages 54-67 and has no cure, with most patients succumbing to respiratory failure within 2-5 years, though 5-10% survive longer.
Symptoms
- Muscles get weak and twitch, starting in arms, legs, hands, or feet.
- Speech becomes slurred, swallowing gets tough, and you might laugh or cry without meaning to.
- Later, breathing feels short, muscles shrink and stiffen, causing cramps, falls, and full-body paralysis while senses like sight and hearing stay normal.
Causes
- Mostly happens without a clear reason (sporadic, 90-95% cases), but family history plays a role in 5-10% where gene changes like SOD1 affect nerve cells.
- Nerve cells that control muscles in brain and spine die off due to issues like too much brain chemical buildup, damaged energy in cells, swelling, or protein clumps.
Treatment
- No cure, but drugs like Riluzole slow worsening by a few months and Edaravone helps keep daily functions better for some.
- Breathing machines, feeding tubes, and wheelchairs manage symptoms.
- Physical therapy, counseling, and nutrition support improve life quality.
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