What do you know about ALS(Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis)?

Answer 1

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), sometimes called Lou Gehrig's disease, is a rapidly progressive, invariably fatal neurological disease that attacks the nerve cells (neurons) responsible for controlling voluntary muscles. The disease belongs to a group of disorders known as motor neuron diseases, which are characterized by the gradual degeneration and death of motor neurons.

Motor neurons are nerve cells located in the brain, brainstem, and spinal cord that serve as controlling units and vital communication links between the nervous system and the voluntary muscles of the body. Messages from motor neurons in the brain (called upper motor neurons) are transmitted to motor neurons in the spinal cord (called lower motor neurons) and from them to particular muscles. In ALS, both the upper motor neurons and the lower motor neurons degenerate or die, ceasing to send messages to muscles. Unable to function, the muscles gradually weaken, waste away (atrophy), and twitch (fasciculations) . Eventually, the ability of the brain to start and control voluntary movement is lost.

ALS causes weakness with a wide range of disabilities. Eventually, all muscles under voluntary control are affected, and patients lose their strength and the ability to move their arms, legs, and body. When muscles in the diaphragm and chest wall fail, patients lose the ability to breathe without ventilatory support. Most people with ALS die from respiratory failure, usually within 3 to 5 years from the onset of symptoms. However, about 10 percent of ALS patients survive for 10 or more years.

Although the disease usually does not impair a person's mind or intelligence, several recent studies suggest that some ALS patients may have alterations in cognitive functions such as depression and probems with decision-making and memory. ALS does not affect a person's ability to see, smell, taste, hear, or recognize touch. Patients usually maintain control of eye muscles and bladder and bowel functions.

Answer 2

It is caused by a "prion", which is a misfolded protein that is affecting the brain. It is more commonly known as "Lou Gehrig's Disease". A similar disease has been shown to be the same illness that was prevalent in Africa called "kuru". The ritual eating of a dead relatives brain to honor their memory (I am NOT making this up!!!) used to spread the disease, but the practice has since stopped after educational programs showed that the disease was spread in this way. Motor function is gradually lost. The disease is fatal, but advancements are being made everyday, and someday someone will probably figure out a successful treatment or a cure. The MDA people are working on this one. For more information see the following links: http://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=Amyotrophic+Lateral+Sclerosis&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8

Answer 3

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Answer 4

ALS aka Lou Gehrig's Disease is a very tough disease process, which usually affects males more than females. Once diagnosed, life expectancy is 2-5 yrs and there is no cure. ALS is characterized by the demyelination of nerve fibers and scarring of the the spinal tract causing muscle atrophy and paralysis. No cognitive changes occur and sufferers maintain full mental awareness. Death is usually caused by paralysis of the diaphragm resulting in respiratory failure. It is one of the most cruel disease out there, but there is a lot of promise in stem cell therapy--hopefully, the techonology will develop soon.
I hope this helps.

Answer 5

Just to say, the answer above stating the ALS is a prion disease is FALSE. There are some hypotheses that it MAY be a prion disease, but there is very little evidence for this and the scientific and medical community do not accept this.

I won't go into any more detail as I think Andy's answer above is accurate and clear.

Answer 6

Andy has said it best. It largely involves skeletal muscle and the other muscle types largely function normally right the way through.
One thing that can be done to help people who have it is supportive work environments and leg braces for them to overcome foot drop and knee weakness. Wheelchairs and scooters are other means to get around as well.

Answer 7

God didn’t cause Hawking’s disease. If he was cured it would be by science which God works through. Maybe it’s God’s grace that he is able to continue the way he does. It’s only Fundamentalists that are hung up on science.

Answer 8

trouble: invariably progressive loss of muscle activity, eventually resulting in inability to breathe. Mind stays intact, but muscles go.
Very sad and hard to deal with.

Answer 9

go with immortality rings