The importance of good health and well-being has never been higher than it is now.
We do our best to live a balanced life, free of many ailments if possible, so that we can enjoy our life to the fullest. However, there are some disorders that even medical specialists find perplexing, and doctors are still baffled as to why they develop.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is one of these uncommon disorders.
ALS progressively affects our nervous system, eventually affecting nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing muscle control loss. Although not as common as other diseases, it is nevertheless vital for us to be aware of it to be more informed about our health and bodies.
Here are eight things you must know about ALS:
1. ALS is also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, so named after the baseball player diagnosed with this.
Another famous person who has been diagnosed with ALS is Stephen Hawking. He was only in his early 20s while in his third year at Oxford when he found himself falling frequently and appearing to be clumsy most of the time.
2. According to the National ALS Registry, it affects 5.2 persons out of every 100,000 people in the United States.
Most cases are found in the United States, New Zealand and Uruguay. It appears to be random in nature, and doctors are stumped as to who is at higher risk for ALS. There have been published studies showing ALS cases in the world to increase from 222,801 in 2015 to 376,674 in 2040.
3. People over the age of 60 are more likely to develop ALS.
This is a reason for concern, as the population is aging and there is a need for healthcare resources to be used more efficiently so that this issue may be handled. In both affluent and developing countries, many diseases strike the elderly population
4. This late-onset, fully developed, and progressive disease is so mystifying that many scientists and clinicians can’t pinpoint exactly the true causes or how this disease came to be.
The patients’ genetic history, lifestyle, nutrition, and even location were all taken into account.
5. ALS has common early symptoms.
They are the following:
- Loss of control and cramping in the arms, hands and legs
- Twitching (fasciculations)
- Muscle weakness and fatigue
- Slurred speech and difficulty in talking
- Falling or tripping over
- Increased clumsiness
- Uncontrolled emotional outbursts (crying or laughing)
As it progresses, symptoms already include shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing, paralysis, and difficulty in swallowing food.
Other people with ALS have problems in memory and decision-making, leading to a form of dementia called frontotemporal dementia.
6. A proper diagnosis of ALS is complicated as it may present itself with symptoms like other diseases.
Physicians are classifying it into more specific forms as follows:
- Classical ALS
- Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS)
- Progressive Bulbar Palsy (PBP)
- Progressive Muscular Atrophy (PMA)
- Familial ALS
7. Tests that may help diagnose ALS are: electromyography, nerve conduction studies, MRI scans, blood and urine tests, muscle biopsy tests, among others.
While ALS exhibits similar symptoms as HIV, multiple sclerosis, Lyme disease, West Nile virus, and polio, symptoms involving the upper and lower motor neurons would prove that ALS is present.
8. There is no treatment for ALS yet, only alleviation of symptoms to prevent further complications and to slow its progression.
Existing medications have proven to slow down the decline in physical function and progression of the disease. However, this should be taken alongside some forms of therapy such as physical, occupational and speech. Joining ALS clinical trials can also be a promising way to seek out possible treatments for the disease.
How to live with ALS?
As life with ALS would mean a lot of adjustments and changes with our loved ones around us, it is best to know some strategies on how to cope. Here are some:
- Social contact – it is important to stay in touch with family, relatives, and friends. Try to keep in touch and do as many activities as is possible with them.
- Support groups – whether online or in person, these groups can help you with insights through their shared experiences and answer questions you may have.
- Equipment – adjustments at home are expected, so you have to be ready with the necessary items that you may need. It may be items that are easily within reach or medical equipment that could make it easier for your mobility.
While ALS has symptoms like those of other diseases, it is always best to see doctors and specialists to determine what condition we may or may not have. After all, our bodies warn us when they are in distress, and we must pay attention to and not ignore them.