Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects the central nervous system, especially motor neurons, which are responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movements.
How ALS Affects the Body
In ALS, these neurons — located in the brain and spinal cord — gradually degenerate and die. Without signals from these neurons, muscles weaken and waste away, leading to a gradual loss of the ability to move, speak, swallow, and, in advanced stages, breathe.
Common Early Symptoms
- Muscle weakness (mainly in the arms, legs, or tongue)
- Difficulty speaking or swallowing
- Muscle cramps and spasms
- Loss of motor coordination
- Fatigue and muscle stiffness
As the disease progresses, patients retain their cognitive and sensory functions but lose control over their body movements.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause is still unknown, but there are sporadic (more common) and familial (hereditary) forms. Among the studied risk factors are:
- Age (usually between 40 and 70 years old)
- Family history of ALS
- Male gender (slightly more common)
- Exposure to toxins or repetitive trauma
Treatment
There is no cure, but there are medications and therapies that can slow disease progression and improve quality of life, such as:
- Riluzole and Edaravone, which help protect neurons;
- Physical therapy, speech therapy, and nutritional support;
- Assisted ventilation equipment in advanced stages.
Famous Examples
One of the most well-known cases is that of physicist Stephen Hawking, who lived for decades with ALS, helping to raise global awareness about the disease.
Source: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS – USA)
