Browsing: ALS

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. The disease leads to the degeneration and death of motor neurons, which control voluntary muscles. As these motor neurons die, the brain’s ability to initiate and control muscle movement is lost, leading to muscle weakness, speech, swallowing, and breathing difficulties. The exact cause of ALS is unknown, though it may involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Symptoms of ALS can vary significantly from one person to another but typically include muscle twitching, weakness in a limb, slurred speech, and difficulty chewing or swallowing. There is currently no cure for ALS, and treatments focus on managing symptoms and improving the quality of life for patients.