ALS: A Devastating Progressive Disease

Understanding the Impact of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

A Look at the Facts and Figures

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as motor neurone disease (MND) or Lou Gehrig's disease, is a neurodegenerative disease that affects the motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. Motor neurons send electrical signals from the brain to the muscles, allowing us to move and breathe. When motor neurons are damaged or destroyed, as occurs in ALS, the brain can no longer send signals to the muscles, leading to progressive muscle weakness and paralysis.

Types of ALS

Around 70% of people with ALS have what is known as limb-onset ALS. This means that symptoms first appear in the arms or legs and gradually spread to other parts of the body. The remaining 30% of people have bulbar-onset ALS, which affects the muscles in the head and neck, including the muscles responsible for speech, swallowing, and breathing.

Symptoms and Progression

The most common early symptom of ALS is muscle weakness in one arm or leg. Weakness can also occur in the muscles of the mouth or throat, causing difficulty with speech and swallowing. As ALS progresses, muscle weakness spreads to other parts of the body, leading to difficulty with walking, standing, and eventually sitting. ALS also affects the muscles used for breathing, which can lead to respiratory failure.

Life Expectancy and Treatment

ALS is a terminal disease, and the average life expectancy after diagnosis is three to five years. However, some people with ALS can live for many years, particularly if the disease progresses slowly. There is currently no cure for ALS, but there are treatments available that can help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life.