CURE ALS
  • HOME PAGE
  • Donations
  • Memorial Donation
  • Honor Donation
  • About ALS
  • About CURE ALS
  • Our Story
  • Personal Tournament ALS Sheet
Picture
WHAT IS ALS?
ALS is a progressive neurological disease that attacks the body’s nerve cells (or “motor neurons”) that are responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movement -- the muscles that we choose to move to produce movements like chewing, walking, and talking, and breathing. 

When motor neurons degenerate and die, muscles no longer receive signals from the brain that they need to move. Unable to function, the muscles gradually weaken and atrophy (waste away). Eventually, the ability of the brain to start and control voluntary movement is lost.

​What are the early symptoms?
  • Muscle twitches in the arm, leg, shoulder, or tongue
  • Muscle cramps
  • Tight and stiff muscles (spasticity)
  • Muscle weakness affecting an arm, a leg, the neck, or diaphragm
  • Slurred and nasal speech
  • Difficulty chewing or swallowing
If you have any of these symptoms and/or you think you might have ALS, contact a neurologist and/or your general practitioner for their expert guidance. 
​How does ALS affect the body?
     As the disease progresses, muscle weakness and atrophy spread to other parts of your body:
  • Difficulty or inability to stand or walk, get in or out of bed on their own, or use hands and arms
  • Chewing food and swallowing 
  • Speaking or forming words
  • Breathing and becoming dependent a ventilator
  • Maintaining weight and malnourishment
     Although not as common, people with ALS may also:
  • Experience problems with language or decision-making
  • Develop a form of dementia over time
Picture
Picture


  • HOME PAGE
  • Donations
  • Memorial Donation
  • Honor Donation
  • About ALS
  • About CURE ALS
  • Our Story
  • Personal Tournament ALS Sheet