ALS or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a disease where the motor coordination neurons or the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control voluntary muscle movement and breathing degenerate and die. ALS is formerly known as Lou Gehrig's disease. The symptoms of ALS include difficulties with chewing food, swallowing, drooling, speaking or forming words, breathing, unintended laughing, crying or other emotional displays, constipation, maintaining weight, and getting enough nutrients. The early symptoms include muscle twitches in the arm, leg, shoulder, tongue, muscle cramps, tight muscles, stiff muscles, muscle weakness affecting an arm, leg, or neck, slurred and nasal speech, and difficulty chewing or swallowing.
What are the risk factors for ALS? Age, biological sex, race, and ethnicity all determine whether you are more likely to be diagnosed with ALS. ALS develops between the ages of 55 and 75, but can be found at any age. Men are more likely to develop ALS than women. As both sexes age the likelihood of being diagnosed with ALS becomes fifty-fifty. Whites and Non-Hispanics are most likely to develop the disease, but ALS affects people of all races and ethnic backgrounds. (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 2024)
As of right now there is no treatment to reverse damage to motor neurons or a cure for ALS. There are options to help slow the progression of the disease, improve quality of life, and extend survival. (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 2024) Supportive care is best provided by integrated, multi disciplinary teams, which can be tailored to an individuals specific needs. Also, therapies like physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapies are used to help. Other supportive care include physicians, pharmacists, physical, occupational, speech, and respiratory therapists, nutritionists, social workers, clinical psychologists, home care, and hospice nurses. (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 2024) There are medications used and approved by the FDA that can help manage symptoms.
Breakthrough research continues in 2025 with many great things learned about ALS treatment in 2024. A new innovative treatment method may benefit people with ALS and other brain diseases and disorders was discovered. This gene therapy works by blocking the gene mutation that causes misfolded proteins to form. The gene therapy is called Tofersen or Qalsody, shown to slow the progression of ALS and improves muscle strength for 40% of participants. (Gardener, 2024)
There are caregivers ready to help you remain in your home and as independent as possible. Professional PCAs can help with chores like dishes, laundry, light housekeeping, and meal prep. PCA's training guidelines include basic hygiene like showering, brushing, and clothing. As well as incontinence care. To make an appointment complete a care plan form found on this link.
Works Cited:
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. “Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).” Www.ninds.nih.gov, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 19 July 2024, www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/amyotrophic-lateral-sclerosis-als. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.
Gardener, Abigail. “Research Developments in ALS | American Brain Foundation.” American Brain Foundation, America Brain Foundation, 20 Aug. 2024, www.americanbrainfoundation.org/research-developments-in-als/. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.