ALS: Understanding the Disease

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurological disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.
Also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, after the famous baseball player who was diagnosed with the condition.

The exact cause of ALS is unknown, but genetics, environment, and lifestyle factors may contribute to its development.
5-10% of ALS cases are inherited, while the remaining 90-95% are sporadic, with no clear cause.
Risk factors include:
- Age: ALS typically affects people between 40-70 years old.
- Sex: Men are more likely to develop ALS than women.
- Family history: Having a family member with ALS increases the risk.
- Military service: Some studies suggest a higher risk of ALS in military veterans.

Initial symptoms may be subtle and can include:
- Muscle weakness or twitching
- Muscle cramps
- Twitching or cramping of the muscles, especially in the arms and legs
- Weakness or fatigue in the arms and legs
- Difficulty speaking, swallowing, or breathing
As the disease progresses, symptoms can spread to other parts of the body, leading to:
- paralysis of the arms and legs
- Difficulty with speech, swallowing, and breathing
- Cognitive and behavioral changes

There is no cure for ALS, but treatment focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life.
Medications can help:
- Slow disease progression
- Relieve symptoms such as muscle cramps and stiffness
- Improve breathing and nutrition
Other therapies include:
- Physical therapy to maintain mobility and strength
- Speech therapy to improve communication
- Occupational therapy to assist with daily activities
- Respiratory therapy to support breathing

ALS is a progressive disease, and symptoms worsen over time.
The average life expectancy after diagnosis is 2-5 years, but some people may live for 10 years or more.
The rate of progression varies widely between individuals.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurological disease affecting nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.
Also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, named after the baseball player diagnosed with the condition.

The exact cause of ALS is unknown, but genetics, environment, and lifestyle factors may contribute to its development.
5-10% of ALS cases are inherited, while 90-95% are sporadic with no clear cause.
Risk factors include:
- Age: typically affects people between 40-70 years old
- Sex: men are more likely to develop ALS than women
- Family history: having a family member with ALS increases the risk
- Military service: some studies suggest a higher risk of ALS in military veterans

Initial symptoms may be subtle and include:
- Muscle weakness or twitching
- Muscle cramps
- Twitching or cramping of the muscles, especially in the arms and legs
- Weakness or fatigue in the arms and legs
- Difficulty speaking, swallowing, or breathing
As the disease progresses, symptoms can spread to other parts of the body, leading to:
- Paralysis of the arms and legs
- Difficulty with speech, swallowing, and breathing
- Cognitive and behavioral changes

There is no cure for ALS, but treatment focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life.
Medications can help:
- Slow disease progression
- Relieve symptoms such as muscle cramps and stiffness
- Improve breathing and nutrition
Other therapies include:
- Physical therapy to maintain mobility and strength
- Speech therapy to improve communication
- Occupational therapy to assist with daily activities
- Respiratory therapy to support breathing

ALS is a progressive disease, and symptoms worsen over time.
The average life expectancy after diagnosis is 2-5 years, but some people may live for 10 years or more.
The rate of progression varies widely between individuals.