What is ALS?
What is ALS?
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a nervous system disease that attacks nerve cells called motor neurons in your brain and spinal cord. These neurons transmit messages from your brain and spinal cord to your voluntary muscles — the ones you can control, like those in your arms and legs. At first, this causes mild muscle problems. Some people notice:
- Trouble walking or running
- Trouble writing
- Speech problems
Eventually, you lose your strength and cannot move. When muscles in your chest fail, you cannot breathe. A breathing machine can help, but most people with ALS eventually die from respiratory failure.
ALS usually strikes between ages 40 and 60; however, it can occur in very young and very old individuals. No one knows what causes ALS. It can run in families, but usually it occurs at random. At this time, there is no cure. However, there are therapies that can relieve symptoms and, sometimes, prolong survival.
Source: NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke