Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a degenerative condition that affects nerve function within the spinal cord and brain. Over time, muscle function is lost, and a person loses the ability to move, speak, eat, and breathe.
The majority of people who experience ALS have a sporadic form of the condition. That means there is no family history of the disease and suspected risk factors do not necessarily apply.
ALS impacts the function of motor neurons, which are essential to basic bodily functions like movement and speaking. As the disease causes motor neurons to break down, signalling to the muscles is impeded and a person will begin to gradually lose abilities.
Symptoms of ALS usually begin in the hands, arms, legs, and feet before moving to other areas of the body. These symptoms may include:
It is sometimes hard to diagnose ALS because symptoms often overlap with other medical conditions and disorders. Early diagnosis is key to slowing the progression of the condition, so any symptoms affecting movement or speech should be assessed immediately.
While it can sometimes be passed along by family, only a small portion of people with ALS have the hereditary form of the disorder. Additionally, ALS is more common in people aged 60 to 75, with men having a marginally higher risk when it comes to cases that occur before the age of 65. Some research shows that exposure to cigarette smoke and environmental toxins also increases risk.
There is no cure for ALS and the condition is considered terminal due to the progression of symptoms. However, it is possible to manage health effects with the following treatments, which can improve comfort and quality of life:
Physical therapy preserves the function of the muscles for as long as possible, while occupational rehab shows patients how to use assistive devices and helps revamp their homes to be more accessible. There’s also speech therapy to ensure effective communication, as well as breathing care to help the lungs function efficiently.
Medications can be used to control health effects related to ALS, such as problems sleeping, muscle cramps, pain, and mental health issues like depression. Other medications can slow the progression of ALS, and some may even boost a person’s life expectancy.
Some people with ALS may be eligible for clinical trials using experimental treatments and therapies. If you have been diagnosed with this disorder, talk with your doctor about possible trials and whether you are a suitable candidate.