What is ALS and its symptoms? Can ALS be cured?

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a rare progressive neurological disease that affects the brain and spinal cord that control voluntary muscle movement.

Initial signs of ALS may include muscle twitching, cramping, and weakness in the hands, feet, or limbs. However, as the disease progresses, patients may experience difficulty speaking, swallowing, and performing everyday tasks.

There is no cure for ALS and the average life expectancy after diagnosis is 2 to 4 years. However, some people live longer with the help of treatments and supportive care.

Respiratory muscles may also be affected, resulting in breathing difficulties and respiratory failure. ALS primarily targets motor neurons, the nerve cells responsible for transmitting signals from the brain to muscles throughout the body.

The exact cause of ALS is unknown, but about 10% of cases are inherited, while the rest are sporadic. Research suggests a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors involved in the occurrence of ALS.