Understanding ALS basics is key to a comprehensive grasp on the neurodegenerative monster—also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease—which affects tens of thousands of people across the globe. This brutal condition weakens muscles and impacts physical function, complicating the life of those who suffer along with the people around them. In this article, we’ll delve deeper into Lou Gehrig’s disease explained in a manner both comprehensive and comprehensible, and explore its relationship with motor neuron disease.
ALS Basics: Peeling the Layers
ALS, or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, is a specific type of motor neuron disease. Its title finds its roots in Greek, with ‘Amyotrophic’ indicating a lack of muscle nourishment—’A’ for negation, ‘Myo’ for muscle, and ‘Trophic’ for nourishment. ‘Lateral Sclerosis’ points to the hardening of the spinal cord, as ‘Lateral’ refers to the sides of the spinal cord where nerve cells suffer degradation, and ‘Sclerosis’ denotes hardening.
In understanding ALS selectivity, we learn it primarily affects the nerve cells responsible for regulating voluntary muscle movement. Such actions include those we perform by choice, like talking, eating, walking, and more.
Lou Gehrig’s Disease Explained: Unearthing the Progression
Named after the famous baseball player who fell victim to the disease in 1939, Lou Gehrig’s disease ravages the body progressively. Early symptoms include difficulties in tasks requiring muscle control—writing or speaking, for instance. As we delve further into Lou Gehrig’s disease explained, we find ALS does not disrupt a person’s cognitive abilities, meaning the ability to think, learn, comprehend, and remember remains intact [ WebMD ]. It also does not affect the senses, so people with ALS can still hear, see, smell, taste, and touch.
It is important to note, however, ALS is often fast-acting. In the majority of cases, from the onset of symptoms, patients sadly succumb to the disease in less than five years. Yet, 20% of patients live five years or longer, 10% live for more than 10 years, and 5% stamp their defiance for over 20 years [ ALS Association ].
What is Motor Neuron Disease: A Wider View
In the simplest of definitions, motor neuron diseases are a group of conditions resulting in the progressive deterioration of the motor neurons—nerve cells controlling muscles—for voluntary movement. As part of the broader frame of motor neuron disease, ALS accounts for roughly 85% of all Motor Neuron Disease cases. Apart from Herself ALS, types of motor neuron diseases include Progressive Muscular Atrophy, Primary Lateral Sclerosis, Progressive Bulbar Palsy, and Kennedy’s Disease [ NINDS].
In working towards ALS basics and understanding the complex reality of this cruel illness, it is important to acknowledge the dark but realistic truth it presents before us. Yet, living in knowledgeable defiance is an act of resistance.
Before concluding this article, it is crucial to stress how much researchers worldwide and dedicated nonprofits like ALS Association are tirelessly working towards not only managing motor neuron diseases but imposing a full stop on them.
To learn more about ALS, or if you have a case related to ALS and Real Water, please reach out. Explore more related content on our blog page and call us at 702-385-6000 for immediate assistance. Knowledge is power, and together we empower each other in the fight against ALS.
References:
Understanding ALS Basics: WebMD
Understanding ALS: ALS Association
* Motor Neuron Diseases Information Page: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke