An incurable disease that destroys nerves… What is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)?

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a serious neurodegenerative disease that affects the nerve cells responsible for controlling muscle movement, gradually leading to muscle weakness and loss of mobility.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is often called “Lou Gehrig’s disease” after the baseball player who was diagnosed with it. The exact cause of the disease is still unknown, although a small number of cases are hereditary.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) typically begins with tremors and weakness in the arm or leg muscles, and difficulty swallowing or slurred speech. Eventually, ALS affects the control of the muscles needed for movement, speech, eating, and breathing. There is no cure for this fatal disease.

According to the German Society for Musculoskeletal Diseases, the disease occurs when motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord are damaged or die. These neurons transmit signals from the nervous system to the muscles, enabling movements such as walking, speaking, and chewing. As the disease progresses, these functions gradually deteriorate, and the affected individual may experience significant loss of mobility.

Types of disease

Doctors usually distinguish between three main types of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) depending on the area where the disease begins:

• Spinal form : It begins in the spinal cord and leads to weakness or partial paralysis of the limb and trunk muscles.
• Bulbar form : It begins in the brainstem and affects speech and swallowing.
• The respiratory form : It affects the respiratory muscles and leads to increasing respiratory difficulties.

Possible causes

The exact cause of the disease remains unknown in most cases. It is estimated that approximately 90 to 95% of cases occur spontaneously without a clear cause, while a small percentage (approximately 5 to 10%) are linked to genetic factors.

Researchers suggest that several factors may contribute to the disease, such as autoimmune disorders, genetic changes, or exposure to certain environmental toxins, but these hypotheses are still under investigation. Medical sources indicate that the disease typically manifests between the ages of 40 and 70.

Common symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on the region where the disease begins, but they often include:

•  Progressive muscle weakness
•  Muscle tremors and spasms
•  Muscle atrophy
•  Difficulty speaking or swallowing
•  Respiratory muscle weakness as the disease progresses

Symptoms often begin in one hand or arm and then spread to other parts of the body over time.

How does the disease develop?

According to neurologists, the disease only affects motor neurons, while cognitive abilities and senses such as hearing and vision often remain intact in most patients, although cognitive changes may occur in some cases.

Treatment methods

There is currently no cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), but some treatments may help slow the progression of the disease and improve quality of life.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several drugs for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which may prolong survival, slow the progression of the disease, or help control symptoms. However, there is currently no known cure that stops or reverses the disease’s progression.

One of the most commonly used medications is riluzole, which may slow disease progression by affecting a neurotransmitter called glutamate. Edaravone, which may also help slow the decline in motor function, has also been approved in some countries.

Treatment also focuses on relieving symptoms through:

• Physical therapy to maintain muscle mobility
•  Speech and swallowing therapy
•  Respiratory support when needed
• Use of assistive mobility and communication devices

Doctors emphasize that early diagnosis and regular medical follow-up can help patients manage symptoms and maintain their quality of life for as long as possible.