In more advanced stages, ALS causes shortness of breath and difficulty in breathing and swallowing, which is what eventally lead to a person's death. Based on US population studies, a little more than 5, people in the US are diagnosed with ALS each year — approximately 15 new cases per day. It is estimated that as many as 30, Americans have the disease at any given time. Most people develop ALS between the ages of 40 and 70, with an average age of 55 at the time of diagnosis.
However, rare cases of the disease do occur in persons in their 20s and 30s. Although the cause of ALS is not completely understood, recent research suggests that multiple complex factors contribute to the death of motor neurons. Research published in suggests that smoking tobacco may heighten a person's risk for ALS. Diagnosing ALS is difficult because there is no single medical test for it. Also, since many neurologic diseases cause similar symptoms, these other conditions must be ruled out first, through clinical examinations and medical tests.
A comprehensive diagnostic workup includes most, if not all, of the following tests and procedures:. Individula doctors will determine which of the above tests to conduct, usually based on the physical exam and the results of previous medical tests the patient has had. Currently there is no known cure or treatment that halts or reverses the progression of ALS. In addition, there are several promising clinical trials being conducted worldwide that are yielding important information on how to combat this disease.
Also, a nurse or other health assistant may come to the person's home to provide care that the family cannot handle alone. Living with Lou Gehrig's disease is physically difficult, but it is reassuring to know that the mind usually is not affected. Most people with ALS can think as clearly as ever, are able to maintain relationships with friends and family, and should be treated respectfully and normally. It's normal for family members to feel upset, overwhelmed, and sad if a loved one has ALS.
Counseling, as well as support from other family members and friends, can make it easier to deal with the challenges they face. Communication can be difficult because the disease affects breathing and the muscles needed for speech and arm movement. With patience, the families of patients with ALS can learn to communicate effectively with their loved one.
Researchers continue to study ALS as they try to understand why it happens, and how the disease damages the motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. As they learn more about the disease, researchers can continue to develop new and better treatments. Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD. Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. What Is Lou Gehrig's Disease? The official name comes from these Greek words: "a" for without "myo" for muscle "trophic" for nourishment "lateral" for side of the spinal cord "sclerosis" for hardening or scarring So, amyotrophic means that the muscles have lost their nourishment.
This type of device supports your breathing through a mask worn over your nose, your mouth or both. Some people with advanced ALS choose to have a tracheostomy — a surgically created hole at the front of the neck leading to the windpipe trachea — for full-time use of a respirator that inflates and deflates their lungs.
The most common cause of death for people with ALS is respiratory failure. On average, death occurs within 3 to 5 years after symptoms begin. However, some people with ALS live 10 or more years.
Most people with ALS develop trouble speaking. This usually starts as occasional, mild slurring of words, but becomes more severe. Speech eventually becomes difficult for others to understand, and people with ALS often rely on other communication technologies to communicate. People with ALS can develop malnutrition and dehydration from damage to the muscles that control swallowing. They are also at higher risk of getting food, liquids or saliva into the lungs, which can cause pneumonia.
A feeding tube can reduce these risks and ensure proper hydration and nutrition. Some people with ALS have problems with memory and decision-making, and some are eventually diagnosed with a form of dementia called frontotemporal dementia. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products.
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In order to carry out their normal functions, nerve cells need to be able to efficiently move molecular cargo — for example, signaling molecules used for communication — from one part of the cell to another. In ALS, the systems used to transport these molecules are often compromised, which is thought to play a role in the disease.
However, mitochondria also are critical for other cellular functions, such as making certain amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. In the nerve cells of people with ALS, mitochondria may not function correctly, which can contribute to the disease. ALS News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease.
It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
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