Common Symptoms of ALS You Should Know

ByAgkidzone Staff

Updated: Oct 16, 2024

Advertisement

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that targets the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Often called Lou Gehrig’s disease—after the famous New York Yankees player who retired in 1939 due to the condition—ALS affects about 32,000 adults in the United States, according to the CDC. It tends to affect men more than women, and although there’s a 50% chance that children of ALS patients will inherit the disease, most cases do not have a family history.

Common Symptoms of ALS

Advertisement

Diagnosis of ALS

Advertisement

Sporadic ALS

Advertisement

Familial ALS

On the other hand, familial ALS makes up around 5-10% of all cases. This genetic form of ALS is passed down through families, with symptoms often developing in the late forties or early fifties. In rare cases, familial ALS can even manifest during childhood. If someone has familial ALS, there is a 50% chance their children will inherit the mutated gene that causes the condition.

Advertisement

Specific ALS Subtypes

ALS can be further broken down into subtypes, which determine the pattern and progression of symptoms. The most common subtype is limb-onset ALS, affecting around 70% of patients. This form begins with weakness in the arms or legs and slowly progresses to the rest of the body. Bulbar-onset ALS is another subtype that affects about 25% of cases, starting with speech and swallowing difficulties. There is also primary lateral sclerosis, a slower-progressing subtype where symptoms may not fully manifest for several years.

Advertisement

Stages of ALS Progression

ALS progresses differently in each person, but the disease generally moves through three stages. In the early stage, patients experience mild muscle weakness and stiffness. As it enters the middle stage, weakness spreads, and patients may begin to experience muscle wasting and even paralysis in certain limbs. In the late stage, vital functions like breathing and swallowing are severely impaired, often requiring ventilator support. While the timeline for each stage varies, most ALS patients face a steady decline once symptoms begin.

Advertisement

Medical Treatment for ALS

Although there is no cure for ALS, some medications can slow the disease's progression and help manage symptoms. For example, sodium phenylbutyrate-taurursodiol has been shown to slow functional decline by over 25%, and it can extend survival time by around six months. Another drug has been found to extend life expectancy by an average of three months. Physical therapy is also essential for ALS patients, focusing on exercises that prevent falls, improve range of motion, and help with breathing. Respiratory care, especially in the later stages, is crucial and may include ventilators or other breathing aids.

Advertisement

Other Treatments

In addition to medications, many people with ALS eventually need a feeding tube. This device ensures proper nutrition and hydration when swallowing becomes too difficult. Feeding tubes can prevent fatigue and the risk of choking or aspiration. Many doctors recommend placing a feeding tube before it becomes a necessity so the patient has time to recover from the procedure. End-of-life care is also a key part of ALS treatment, as patients will need to make decisions about how they wish to manage their condition in its later stages. This includes advanced directives, which outline their preferences for life-sustaining treatments.

Advertisement

ALS Prognosis

ALS has a varied prognosis, with most patients surviving between two and five years after diagnosis. However, some can live for 20 years or longer, depending on their health and treatment. Factors that suggest a worse prognosis include early symptom onset, a history of smoking, bulbar-onset ALS, and rapid disease progression. On the other hand, delayed diagnosis and slower symptom progression can indicate a better outcome. Quality of life for ALS patients largely depends on their physical abilities and the level of care they receive.

Advertisement

Recent ALS Research

Research into ALS has advanced significantly in recent years, particularly in genetics. Scientists are making strides in understanding the disease’s genetic makeup, which could lead to new treatments or even a cure. For example, several gene therapy drugs are in development, aiming to alter or correct the gene mutations responsible for ALS. While there’s still a long way to go, these breakthroughs offer hope for the future of ALS treatment.

Advertisement

You May Also Like