WHAT IS ALS?
ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) is a progressive nervous system disease that affects
nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing loss of muscle control. It is a rare disease
that commonly starts in the feet and legs, and works its way up. ALS is usually developed
later in life, around ages 40-70. It is sometimes referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease,
named after the New York Yankee baseball player who was diagnosed with it.
CAUSES:
There are multiple causes that ALS has been associated with, such as age, genetics,
smoking, environmental toxin exposure, and military service. ALS can also be hereditary.
90-95% of ALS cases are sporadic, with no previous history of the disease in their
family. 5-10% are familial and those diagnosed with it come from a family with a history
of ALS.
EFFECTS:
▫ breathing problems
▫ speaking problems
▫ eating problems
▫ dementia
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:
▫ difficulty walking/doing normal activities
▫ tripping and falling
▫ weakness in leg, feet, or ankles
▫ hand weakness or clumsiness
▫ slurred speech or trouble swallowing
▫ muscle cramps and twitching in your arms, shoulder, and tongue
▫ inappropriate crying, laughing, or yawning
▫ cognitive and behavioral changes
▫ paralysis
Typically, those diagnosed with ALS only live 3-5 years after diagnosis.
TREATMENT:
Currently, there is no cure for ALS. However, there are steps that can be taken to make
life with this disease more bearable.
MEDICATION: Medication taken to treat ALS are Riluzole, Edaravone, as well
as Sodium phenylbutyrate and taurursodiol. These medications can help reduce the
loss of the body's functions and slow down the rate of increase of ALS spreading.
THERAPY: Physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and
nutritional therapy can greatly impact and ease the effects of ALS. These different
forms can help ensure that your body stays as strong and independent as possible
while diagnosed.
SUPPORT: Above all else you can simply be there for your loved ones diagnosed
with it. Psychological and social support can help those suffering from this awful
disease.
HOW DOES IT IMPACT THE WORLD?
The term ALS may seem familiar to some due to the Ice Bucket Challenge. In 2014, the
ALS Ice Bucket Challenge was started to raise awareness and money for the disease. The
purpose of pouring the freezing water over yourself was to shock your body and mimic
what it feels like to live with ALS. The campaign was extremely successful, raising $115
million dollars. This money went towards research, patient/community services,
education, and fundraising.
ALS is a real disease affecting real people. ALS has personally affected my own family.
My grandfather passed away due to it. His diagnosis started in his spine, causing him less
time to live. Although we’re not sure what exactly caused him to get ALS, it’s suspected
that it was associated with the time he served in the military. It’s scary to think that
there’s potential for it being passed onto a loved one or even myself.
It can be upsetting to think about someone slowly losing control over their own body,
mind, actions, and life to this fatal disease. ALS is a disease not as many people are
familiar with, but that can be changed one step at a time. The first step in making any
change is awareness. Learning what's happening around, what you can do, and how you
can do it. Simply spreading awareness to those around you can have an impact so much
grander than you may expect.
Sources:
https://www.als.org/understanding-als/what-is-als
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/amyotrophic-lateral-sclerosis/symptoms-
causes/syc-20354022
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/neurology_neurosurgery/centers_clinics/als/conditions
/als_amyotrophic_lateral_sclerosis.html
http://webco.alsa.org/site/PageServer/?pagename=CO_1_WhoGets.html
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