Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Disease

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Disease

ALS is short for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a type of degenerative disease. This disease mostly affects the brain and spinal cord. The condition is referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease after the basketball player who was diagnosed with this disease in the 1930s (Rymore). Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a type of motor neuron disease. It is a group of progressive neurological disorders that cause nerve dysfunction that controls the movements of the muscles. This results in muscle weakness and changes in body function. In subsequent stages, the nerves that control breathing are affected by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which can be fatal. The nerves controlling speech, swallowing, and movement of the limb are mostly affected. Therefore, ALS is characterized by stiffness of muscles, twitching of muscles leading to difficulty in walking due to the weakness in the legs, feet as well as ankles, trouble during swallowing, and sometimes inappropriate crying and laughing.

In the case of the causes of ALS, researchers are continuing to study them, but a greater percentage of major centers on both genetic and environmental causes. There are a few researchers who argue that ALS can be inherited from a person’s parent. Genetically ALS is classified into two familial or sporadic depending on whether or not if there is a family history of the disease. Sporadic ALS occurs randomly, and it accounts for around 90 to 95% of cases of ALS disease. Although there is, there are no clear causes. While familiar ALS is inherited and around 5 to 10% of ALS cases are familial. This means that a child of a patient who has familial ALS has a 50% chance of developing the condition.

For the environmental factors, no family history of the disease is present. Thus sporadic ALS, which occurs randomly, accounts for around 90 to 95% of ALS cases. Where there is no apparent cause. Researchers and scientists have listed some environmental causes that can trigger ALS. One of these environmental causes is smoking, which particularly affects women after menopause (Oliver and Domenico). Use of alcohol during military service or operations, also another factor that can cause ALS.

There is no one test that can diagnose on the ALS, so the diagnosis of ALS is made based on the symptoms. The results are then used to rule other conditions that have similar symptoms. Several tests can be used to help in the diagnosing process of ALS. One such test is the use of Electromyography (EMG), which is used to detect electrical energy in muscles, and the second is the nerve conduction study (NCL), which tests how well the nerves send signals (Rowland and Association.). Also, through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan other problems such as symptoms that cause ALS such as spinal cord damage can be identified.

There is no known cure for ALS, although researchers are working and carrying out more investigations and studies to find the cure. Current treatment often focuses on treating symptoms and providing supportive care. This is aimed at improving the quality of life as well as prolonging the survival of the patient. For the respiratory failures in ALS, non-invasive ventilation (NIV) is a form of treatment that can also be used. Physical therapy can also help people living with this ALS disease to cope with muscle loss and also problems in breathing.

ALS can be prevented by eating both fruits and vegetables. These fruits and vegetables should be bright colored. They are sources of dietary vitamin A. Therefore, these foods help in prevention and also in the delay of the onset of ALS. For people living with ALS disorder, their lives become difficult, but it is a relief to know that the mind is usually not affected (Dickson). Hence, those people with ALS are able to maintain relationships with friends and also family. They deserve to be treated normally and with respect. Normally, family members feel bad and upset if a loved one has ALS, and there are a number of tips that can help them cope with the situation.  One of these techniques to cope with it is that they should keep the social contact with the affected. Second, they can also plan ahead in order to help them cope with restrictions that come with ALS disorders. Thus helps in avoiding frustrations.

Caregivers or nurses that are responsible for taking care of the people with ALS disorders have a lot of work to do. The physical demands of caring for someone with ALS are very many. They help with activities like bathing, eating, dressing as well as using the bathroom and washrooms. As they provide the service, they have to work with devices that aid in mobility and feeding as well as breathing machines. All these activities, combined with doing laundry, paying bills, making doctor’s appointments are some of the things that a caregiver performs. Regardless of whether someone is a child, a parent, a friend, a spouse, or even a specialized caregiver, giving care to persons with ALS disorders is a challenging task (Mitsumoto). Support from others, and with the right mindset, caring for people with ALS is fulfilling.

In conclusion, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects people of all races as well as background. This disease can also affect people of any age. A number of researches have been put in place to look for ways to use and existing drugs to treat different aspects of ALS.