Because ALS selectively destroys the motor neurons in the nervous system, several hypotheses have been put forth as to the cause or perhaps causes of ALS. Scientists are exploring such areas as genetic factors, susceptibility genes, excitotoxicity, and premature cell death.

Areas of the Body and Nervous System Affected

ALS affects muscles anywhere throughout the human body from head to toe. This horrible incurable disease has a tendency to start at the hands and feet and work it’s way towards the center of the body. ALS works by gradually destroying the nerves that control the muscles. ALS develops when certain nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord degenerate (break down) and die. Weakness, paralysis and eventually death are all results of this disease.

All of the forms of ALS cause progressive Muscle weakness and degeneration. In most patients spontaneous muscle twitching occurs, called fasciculation’s. Lower extremity usually follows the degeneration of arms, hands and shoulders. Spastistic muscles can be present. Approximately one-third of patients will become aware of the disease when their hands become clums

Various devices such as foot-drop braces, hand splints, and a wheelchair enable the patient to remain as independent as possible. Good skin care, massage and knowledge of proper body positioning can prevent sores for those who are in a bed for long periods of time. If bowel and bladder problems function are affected immobility, increasing the daily fluid intake should improve the situation or the doctor may prescribe stool softeners, bulk formers or laxatives.

Over 5,000 Americans are diagnosed with ALS every year. Symptoms usually start appearing in individuals around the ages of 40-70, though the disease has been found in both younger and older people. People usually die out after 2-5 years after the first symptoms are found. Progression of ALS varies with each person, therefore some people will live longer up to 10 years while others will live only for maybe a year. About 5 percent of the people diagnosed with ALS will live up to or longer than 12 years. In many cases the disease seems to be platue and the patients will be able to live almost normal lives with the assistance of devices for daily living, and later communicating equipment. Men and women are affected in almost equal numbers although it occurs a bit more in men. Also up to 10 percent of ALS cases are inherited usually occurring more than once in a families lineage; but 90 percent of ALS is not inherited.

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