Who is mostly affected by ALS? What organ is affected by ALS?

ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) affects individuals of diverse ages, races, and genders, with most cases occurring between the ages of 40 and 70. The risk of developing ALS increases with age and is higher for men than women.

ALS primarily targets motor neurons, the nerve cells responsible for transmitting signals from the brain to muscles throughout the body. As these motor neurons degenerate and die, the muscles they innervate weaken and waste away.

Over time, this degeneration results in a progressive loss of muscle function, leading to difficulties in speech, swallowing, breathing, and even basic movement.

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.

There is no cure for ALS. ALS can affect any part of the body, but it often starts in the hands, feet, arms, or legs.