What is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)?

ALS is a progressive neurological disorder that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness and loss of voluntary movement.

What are the early symptoms of ALS?

Early symptoms include muscle twitches, cramps, stiffness, weakness in limbs or neck, slurred speech, and difficulty chewing or swallowing.

Does ALS affect a person's mental abilities?

No, ALS does not typically affect reasoning, memory, or understanding, though patients may experience depression or frontotemporal dementia.

Home / Health / ALS: Nerve's Silent Retreat, Muscle's Slow Fade

ALS: Nerve's Silent Retreat, Muscle's Slow Fade

26 Nov

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Summary

ALS progressively destroys motor neurons, leading to muscle weakness.
Over 90% of ALS cases are sporadic, influenced by lifestyle and genetics.
Indian ALS patients experience earlier onset, with men presenting later for treatment.

ALS: Nerve's Silent Retreat, Muscle's Slow Fade

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often called Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive neurological condition that affects the nerve cells controlling muscle movement. As motor neurons degenerate and die, the brain's signals cannot reach muscles, causing them to weaken and atrophy. This leads to a gradual loss of voluntary control over essential functions like walking, breathing, and chewing.

The majority of ALS cases, over 90%, are sporadic, meaning they lack a familial history and are thought to be linked to lifestyle, occupational, and environmental factors, with genetics potentially playing a role. While the disorder typically emerges between ages 55 and 75, with men more susceptible, a study in India indicated an earlier onset among its population. This study also highlighted that men, despite earlier onset, presented later for treatment compared to women.

Currently, there is no cure for ALS, but various treatments and therapies aim to manage symptoms and enhance the quality of life for patients. Research is actively pursuing the identification of biomarkers and triggers for motor neuron degeneration, with findings suggesting the involvement of glial support cells and inflammation. Projections indicate a significant global increase in ALS cases by 2040, particularly in Africa, Asia, and South America.

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