Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the third moast common neurodegenerative disease in Spain, after Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. In total, around 4,000 people suffer from it in our country and three new cases are diagnosed every day, according to data University Hospital of La Paz.
What exactly is ALS?
As detailed in Mayo Clinic (United States), ALS is one nervous system disease which affects the neurons of the brain and spinal cord, resulting in a highly disabling condition. It is a progressive disorder, meaning that symptoms get worse over time.
Its cause is not yet known, although in a small group of cases it is hereditary. It usually begins with spasms and weakness in an arm or leg and eventually leads to difficulty swallowing or speaking. From a certain world, it influences the control of muscles to move, speak, eat and breathe. Ultimately, it ends up being lethal.
It’s a pathology without curebut there are treatments that can slow the progression of the disease and control the symptoms, especially if started in the early stages of the disease. Therefore,it is essential to consult a doctor if the first signs occur.
What are the symptoms?
the symptoms of ALS vary greatly from person to person and depend, among othre things, on the nerve cells affected. It usually begins with muscle weakness that spreads and worsens over time.
Some of the signs we should pay attention to to detect ALS early include:
- Difficulty walking or carrying out normal daily activities.
- Trips and falls.
- Weakness in the legs, feet or ankles.
- Weakness or clumsiness in the hands.
- Difficulty speaking or problems swallowing.
- Weakness associated with muscle cramps and spasms in the arms, shoulders and tongue.
- Uncontrollable crying, laughing, or yawning.
- Changes in thinking or behavior.
Typically, ALS it starts in the hands, feet, arms, or legsand then spreads to other parts of the body. Muscles weaken as more nerve cells die, eventually affecting chewing, swallowing, speaking and breathing.
Most of the timethere is no pain in the early stages of ALSand is rare in the more advanced stages. It also usually does not effect bladder control or senses, including taste, smell, touch, or hearing.
In general terms, we should consult a doctor every time any of these symptomsif there is no known, controlled cause for this.
manny of these symptoms, especially alone, can be caused by other conditions. Be that as it may, when they appear we should still consult a specialist.
What are the risk factors
ALS affects the nerve cells that control voluntary muscle movements,called motor neurons,causing their progressive deterioration and death. It is not known why this happensbut the fact is that when these cells are damaged they cannot transmit messages to the muscles, which prevents them from functioning.
A genetic cause can be identified in approximately 10% of people with ALS. Otherwise, the evidence points to a complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors.
Yes, it is known that there are some important risk factors that increase our chances of contracting the disease. These include age (there are more chances after 75 years)sex (before age 65, ALS is somewhat more common in men than in women; this difference disappears after age 70), family history, smoking, exposure to some environmental toxins (such as lead), or military service.
How is this disease treated?
ALS has no cure. Treatment generally focuses on reduce symptoms as much as possible and in reducing disease progression, and also increasing patient autonomy.
For this purpose, drugs (riluzole, edaravone) are usually used. slow the progression of the disease or to combat specific symptoms (cramps, muscle spasms, constipation, tiredness, excess saliva and phlegm, pain, depression, sleep disorders, uncontrolled bouts of laughing or crying, urgent need to urinate…), and prescribe treatment therapies support (breathing therapy), physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, nutritional support, psychological and social support…).
References
University Hospital of La Paz (2024). The university hospital of La Paz treats more than 300 patients a year from all over Spain in its Multidisciplinary ALS Unit. Consulted online at https://www.comunidad.madrid/hospital/lapaz/noticia/hospital-universitario-paz-atiende-300-pacientes-ano-toda-espana-su-unidad-multidisciplinar-ela on November 20, 2024.
Mayo Clinic. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Consulted online at https://www.mayoclinic.org/es/diseases-conditions/amyotrophy-lateral-sclerosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354022 on November 20, 2024.
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What are the latest research developments in ALS treatment and management?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Dr. Elena Torres, ALS Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. elena Torres. Thank you for joining us today to discuss amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS. To start, could you explain what ALS is and its significance in Spain?
Dr. Elena Torres: Thank you for having me! ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects the motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. In Spain,it is the third most common neurodegenerative disease,following Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Currently, about 4,000 peopel are living with ALS in Spain, with three new cases diagnosed every day. This highlights the critical need for awareness and understanding of the disease.
Editor: That’s concerning. Can you elaborate on the symptoms that individuals should be aware of for early detection?
Dr. Torres: Absolutely. ALS symptoms can vary widely from person to person, but they often begin with muscle weakness, which can spread to other parts of the body. Some early signs to look out for include:
- difficulty walking or performing daily activities
- Frequent trips and falls
- Weakness in the legs or clumsiness in the hands
- Problems with speech or swallowing
- Muscle cramps and spasms
- Uncontrollable emotional reactions, like crying or laughing
Editor: Those symptoms sound quite distressing. How does ALS progress over time,and what impact does it have on daily life?
Dr.Torres: As ALS advances, the muscle weakness can significantly impair mobility, speech, and even breathing.Many patients initially experience a lack of pain; however, as the disease progresses, they may face greater challenges in interaction and nutrition. Ultimately, ALS leads to loss of control over voluntary muscles, which makes basic activities extremely difficult. This can lead to emotional and psychological stress not just for the patient but also for their loved ones.
Editor: It’s a sobering reality. You mentioned earlier that there is currently no cure for ALS. What treatment options are available for patients?
Dr. Torres: Yes, sadly, there is no cure for ALS at this time.However, there are treatments that can help manage symptoms and may slow the progression of the disease if initiated early. This includes medications, physical therapy, and supportive care like speech therapy and nutritional support. It’s fundamentally vital for patients to consult with healthcare providers as soon as they notice any early symptoms.
Editor: Early consultation seems critical. What would you advise individuals who might experience these symptoms or have concerns about their health?
Dr. Torres: Definitely seek out a specialist if you or someone you know is facing unexplained muscle weakness or any of the symptoms we discussed. Early diagnosis can be crucial for accessing support and intervention strategies that can improve quality of life. It’s important not to dismiss early signs,even if they resemble other less serious conditions.
Editor: Lastly, what can be done to improve public awareness about ALS and its impact on individuals and families?
Dr. Torres: Awareness is fundamental. We need to promote public education on ALS thru health campaigns, community outreach, and support networks. It’s essential to have open discussions about the disease, debunk myths, and encourage early intervention. Organizations focused on ALS research and support can play a key role in raising awareness and providing resources.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Torres, for sharing your insights. It’s essential that we all contribute to raising awareness about ALS to help those affected by this challenging disease.
Dr. Torres: Thank you for having me. Together, we can make a difference!