MAY IS ALS AWARENESS MONTH
Together ... we will CURE ALS!
What is ALS?
ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, is a neurological disease that affects motor neurons—those nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control voluntary muscle movement -- the muscles we choose to move to produce movements like chewing, walking, and talking. The disease is progressive, meaning the symptoms get worse over time. As motor neurons degenerate and die, they stop sending messages to the muscles, which causes the muscles to weaken, start to twitch, and waste away. Eventually, the brain loses its ability to initiate and control voluntary movements. ALS has no cure and there is no effective treatment to reverse its progression. What are the early symptoms?
How does ALS affect the body?
As the disease progresses, muscle weakness and atrophy spread to other parts of your body:
How is ALS diagnosed?
There is no single test that can definitely diagnose ALS. Multiple tests are performed to rule out other diseases with similar symptoms. How is ALS treated? There are several medications that have been approved by the FDA for use with those with ALS. Because ALS is a disease that is different for each person, there is no guarantee that any of these medications will have a positive effect on those using them. There is no treatment to reverse or stop ALS. Other medications may be prescribed to help manage muscle cramps, stiffness, excess saliva and phlegm, and unwanted episodes of crying and/or laughing, or other emotional displays. Medications may also help with any pain, depression, sleep disturbances, and constipation. |
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP
SPREAD AWARENESS
REACH OUT TO SOMEONE IMPACTED BY ALS
Reach out to someone impacted by ALS in some way and let them know that you are thinking of them. Who is more likely to get ALS?
Risk factors for ALS include:
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