Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease) is a progressive motor neurone disease (MND). ALS causes weakness with a wide range of disabilities. Overtime, patients lose their strength and the ability to move their arms, legs, and body. Most people with ALS die from respiratory failure, usually within 3 to 5 years from the onset of symptoms. However, about 10% of ALS patients survive for 8 or more years (like Stephen Hawking). Patients with a bulbar or respiratory onset generally have a worse prognosis, although this is not consistently true due to the heterogeneous nature of the disease. Though there is no known cure for ALS currently, doctors and pharmacists may be able to recommend treatments that might slow the progression of the disease and improve quality of life.
For further information:- ALS MND Alliance, an international organization supporting people with ALS.
- ALS Association, an American organization dedicated to find a cure and improving living with ALS.
- ALS forums is a site of all volunteer, human moderated online support groups.
- The ALS Therapy Development Foundation focuses on finding treatments for today’s patients.
Last modified: 2006-10-18
