Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, or ALS), is a progressive disease that impairs the nerve cells (motor neurons). It usually strikes between age 40 and 60. More men than women get it. ALS belongs to a group of motor neuron disorders (e.g., Parkinson's disease multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy), which lead to the gradual degeneration and death of motor neurons. These motor neurons serve as connections from the nervous system to the muscles in the body. As both the upper and lower motor neurons degenerate, ceasing to send messages to muscles, sufferers present with muscle weakness and atrophies throughout the body. Consequently, sufferers may ultimately lose the ability to initiate and control all voluntary movement, bladder and bowel sphincters, and muscles responsible for eye movements are usually spared.

At present, there is no known cure for ALS. The goal of treatment is to control symptoms.

---

Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites