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Amytrophic Lateral Sclerosis

How is ALS Developed?

What is ALS?

Our brain is connected to our muscles through the many specialized nerve cells, called motor neurons, which enable us to move our bodies as we choose. These neurons work in pairs: an upper neuron that comes from the brain and the lower which comes from the spine. The brain sends a signal along these neurons which effects our muscles to contract. In ALS, the neurons gradually break down and die. This means that the brain can no longer communicate with the muscles of the body. As a result, the muscles become weak and eventually someone living with ALS will be unable to move them.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (also known as ALS) is a disease that gradually paralyzes people because the brain is no longer able to communicate with the muscles of the body that we are normally able to move at will. Over time, as the muscles of the body break down, someone living with ALS will lose the ability to walk, talk, eat, swallow, and eventually breathe.

Types of ALS

How does one get ALS?

  • The most common form of ALS is called sporadic ALS; meaning this can affect anyone regardless of gender, ethnicity or age.

  • The other type of ALS is called familial ALS, which means it is capable of being passed from a parent to their child.

  • And lastly there is Bulbar ALS. In the early stages of Bulbar ALS, the muscles of the head, face and neck become paralyzed before muscles in other parts of the body.

There is no one thing that causes ALS. ALS is recognized as having multiple causes that are likely based on changes in people’s genes, and the contribution of environmental factors. So far, a number of genes have been identified as playing a role in the development of ALS. Through research, scientists are learning more about ALS and the multiple factors that may trigger its development.

Symptoms of ALS?

Symptoms and signs of ALS, and the order in which they occur, vary from one person to another. In the early stages, they may seem trivial or be dismissed as normal signs of aging.

Some of the early symptoms include:

  • fasciculations (muscle twitches) in the arm, leg, shoulder, or tongue
  • muscle cramps
  • tight and stiff muscles
  • muscle weakness affecting an arm, a leg, neck or diaphragm.
  • slurred or thick speech and difficulty in projecting the voice
  • difficulty chewing or swallowing.

ALS research?

Diagnosis of ALS?

Treatments for ALS?

There are many things being done to further understand the development and progression of the disease, investigate the influence of genetics and other potential risk factors, and develop new and more effective treatments. Scientists are currently investigating ALS through many different approaches such as:

  • Stem cell research
  • Cellular defects
  • Biomarkers
  • Familial versus sporadic ALS
  • New treatment options

A neurologist will typically diagnose ALS through a process of reviewing symptoms and eliminating other possible diseases.

Any or all of these tests may be used to help diagnose ALS:

  • Blood and urine studies
  • Electrodiagnostic tests including electomyography (EMG) and nerve conduction velocity (NCV)
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
  • Muscle and nerve function tests

Diagnosing ALS does not involve a genetic test. However, someone with a family history of ALS may take the test to identify if they inherited the gene mutation that put them at a higher risk of developing the disease.

No cure has yet been found for ALS. However, there are treatments that can help control symptoms, prevent unnecessary complications, and make living with the disease easier.

  • Physicians can prescribe medications to help manage symptoms of ALS.
  • Physical therapy and special equipment can enhance an individual’s independence and safety throughout the course of ALS. Gentle, low-impact exercise can strengthen muscles, improve cardiovascular health, fight fatigue and prevent shortening (contracture) of muscles.
  • People with ALS who have difficulty speaking benefit from working with a speech therapist, who can teach adaptive strategies to speak louder and more clearly and help people maintain the ability to communicate.
  • Nutritional support teaches individuals how to plan meals that provide their nutritional needs and to avoid foods that are difficult to swallow.
  • As the muscles responsible for breathing start to weaken, people may recieve treatment such as respirators, ventilators, NIV's, etc.

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