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ALS: The Silent Motor Neuron Disease Explained
20 Feb
Summary
- ALS affects motor neurons, disrupting brain-to-muscle signals.
- Most diagnoses occur between ages 55 and 75.
- No cure exists, but treatments can slow progression.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease that targets the nervous system, specifically the motor neurons responsible for voluntary muscle control. This condition prevents the brain from sending necessary signals to the muscles, gradually impacting movement.
Worldwide, an estimated 400,000 individuals are currently living with ALS. The disease affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to progressive muscle weakness. Symptoms typically manifest between the ages of 55 and 75, with most individuals living two to five years after symptom onset, though earlier occurrences are possible.
Common initial symptoms include muscle weakness that worsens over time, difficulty walking, leg or ankle weakness, hand weakness, slurred speech, and trouble swallowing. ALS often begins in the extremities, such as hands or feet, before spreading throughout the body.
There are two primary classifications of ALS: sporadic, accounting for 90% of cases with no known cause, and familial, which represents 10% of cases and is linked to inherited genetic factors. While no cure currently exists for ALS, various treatments are available.
These treatments focus on slowing the disease's progression and improving the quality of life for patients. They encompass medication, specialized therapies, rehabilitation programs, and crucial nutritional and breathing support.
