Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

Definition

ALS will occur by degeneration of motor neurons in the Cerebral cortex, brain stem and spinal cord with unknown reason. This is a kind of malignant disease in motor neurons which will slowly disable them so the brain cannot send movement orders to muscles. Due to the lack of movements, muscles will be degraded eventually disappear. This disease target Central nervous system and muscles, especially the muscles of the hands, forearms, feet, head and neck. People usually pass away within 2 to 5 years but 20% will stay alive 5 years and 10% will live 10 years. There are some possible exception. A well-known physics professor Stephen Hawkings had lived with his disease for more than 47 years. He had the disease since he was 22. Lou Gehrig's is another name for ALS.

Agent and Transmission:

The reason of this disease is still unknown but it occur usually at the ages between 60 to 75 years old. It is seldom to happen in young people (5 to 10% of all). The disease rate is same for all around the world and it is something between 1 and 2 per 100,000 person. Medical statistics shows men are more likely to catch this disease than women and still low percentage is due to genetic reasons. The disease spreads more in people who their jobs require intense body activity. Also food additives like sodium glutamate, poisons and smoking can play an important role. The researches could not approve any viruses, autoimmunity or poisonous reason to this disease but we should know that this disease is not a Contagious or a cancer.

Symptoms:

Most significant symptoms are jump and weakness of muscles which will begin by hands and spread through arms and foot and finally reach muscles in charge of breath and swallow. Other symptoms we can mention Muscle cramps, stiffness and rigidity of muscle groups, unexplained weight loss, slurred speech and sudden laugh or cry. The victim usually have his mental abilities unaffected. Generally the person will see food and liquid will jump in his throat or he will have difficulties to wear cloth or using water tabs.

Treatments

Unfortunately there is no treatment method or any drug is developed to fight this disease. The only medicine which can delay the disease is Rilutek tablet. This drug had no success due to its low efficiency and high price.

Antibiotics like Minocycline to fight against infection if Pneumonia occurred. Supplements like coenzyme Co Q10 can be used as an antioxidant. For fighting against stiffness and rigidity of muscle Baclofen and Diazepam are might be helpful. Trihexyphenidyl or Amitriptyline can be used to decrease saliva production. Supportive therapies such as physiotherapy, psychiatric assistance, speech therapy and breathing exercises, proper nutrition and weight control and supplement will be needed through different stage also the patient must learn the technic to Suction and remove accumulated secretions in their lungs.

Prevention:

Right now it is impossible to prevent this disease but a lot of research are going on around the world. Medical centers in Europe and America are trying to find a way to extinct this disease by the mean of genetic and inherit and also develop a cure and discover medicines to fight against it. In the past few years researches had many breakthroughs by analyzing the genetic data from the ALS victims and they hope to be able to determine any disorders beforehand by DNA analytic. Japanese scientist developed a device to communicate with patients with advanced ALS. A method uses Nano technology to discover ALS in both Genetic and non-Genetic form by analyzing people Cerebro Spinal Fluid. Recent research showed Omega-3 can play a major rule to prevent ALS. Omega-3 is an unsaturated Fatty acid in vegetables, seeds and seafood. Depending on people environment and living condition different doses is recommended.

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