Cookies help us deliver our services. By using our services, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Lou Gehrig's Disease

What is Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Lou Gehrig's Disease?

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive rare neurological disease that involves the degeneration of nerve cells and motor neurons, causing the loss of control over voluntary muscles. In ALS, both the upper motor neurons (in the brain) and the lower motor neurons (in the spinal cord) are both affected and degenerate slowly. This causes muscles to gradually weaken starting in the hands, limbs, and feet, and eventually spreading to other parts of the body as well. ALS generally affects people within the ages 40 to 70, but can develop earlier than those ages. Until around the age of 65, men have a higher likelihood of developing ALS. Although all races and ethnicities can develop ALS, Caucasians and non-Hispanics are more at risk of developing the condition. Some symptoms of ALS include difficulty walking, chewing, swallowing, and breathing. Other symptoms include fasciculations (muscle twitching) and slurred speech. ALS can be either familial or sporadic. Familial ALS is an autosomal dominant inherited genetic mutation, meaning that the mutation takes place on a gene other than the X or Y chromosome and individuals who inherit even one copy of the defective gene will have ALS. In particular, mutations in the SOD1 gene and C9orf72 gene are known to be responsible for familial ALS. However, a majority of ALS cases (around 90%) are sporadic, which means that the individual has no family history of ALS. Causes of sporadic ALS are largely unknown but include abnormalities in the immune system, mitochondrial abnormalities and dysfunction, Glutamate (a type of neurotransmitter) build-up, and environmental factors including trauma, exposure to toxic materials, diet, etc. The prognosis of ALS differs depending on when the first symptoms were present.

 

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive rare neurological disease that involves the degeneration of nerve cells and motor neurons, causing the loss of control over voluntary muscles. In ALS, both the upper motor neurons (in the brain) and the lower motor neurons (in the spinal cord) are both affected and degenerate slowly. This causes muscles to gradually weaken starting in the hands, limbs, and feet, and eventually spreading to other parts of the body as well. ALS generally affects people within the ages 40 to 70, but can develop earlier than those ages. Until around the age of 65, men have a higher likelihood of developing ALS. Although all races and ethnicities can develop ALS, Caucasians and non-Hispanics are more at risk of developing the condition. Some symptoms of ALS include difficulty walking, chewing, swallowing, and breathing. Other symptoms include fasciculations (muscle twitching) and slurred speech. ALS can be either familial or sporadic. Familial ALS is an autosomal dominant inherited genetic mutation, meaning that the mutation takes place on a gene other than the X or Y chromosome and individuals who inherit even one copy of the defective gene will have ALS. In particular, mutations in the SOD1 gene and C9orf72 gene are known to be responsible for familial ALS. However, a majority of ALS cases (around 90%) are sporadic, which means that the individual has no family history of ALS. Causes of sporadic ALS are largely unknown but include abnormalities in the immune system, mitochondrial abnormalities and dysfunction, Glutamate (a type of neurotransmitter) build-up, and environmental factors including trauma, exposure to toxic materials, diet, etc. The prognosis of ALS differs depending on when the first symptoms were present.

Acknowledgement of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Lou Gehrig's Disease has not been added yet.

ALS affects approximately 5 in every 100,000 people. There are fewer than 20,000 US cases per year, making ALS very rare. Most people diagnosed with ALS are between the ages of 40 and 70. Men have a 20% higher likelihood of developing ALS, but after the age of 65, both women and men have an equal chance of developing ALS. ALS is more common in Caucasians and non-Hispanics, explaining the reason that ALS is more common in the Midwest and Northeast of the United States instead of the West and South. In addition, although the reason is still unclear, studies have shown that military veterans are twice as likely to develop ALS.

Synonyms for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Lou Gehrig's Disease has not been added yet.

Around 90% of all ALS cases are sporadic, meaning that they occur without any previous family history. Although some genetic variations are known to put people more at risk for developing sporadic ALS, the cause of sporadic ALS is largely unknown. Some possible causes for sporadic ALS include abnormalities in the immune system, mitochondrial abnormalities and dysfunction, excess Glutamate (a type of neurotransmitter) production that accumulates around nerve cells, and environmental factors including trauma, exposure to toxic materials, diet, etc. The abnormalities in the immune system largely revolve around a particular immune cell called microglia, which can be both beneficial and harmful in preventing ALS. Mitochondrial abnormalities are caused by mitochondria, which are organelles that provide energy for the cell, that are not functioning properly. A Glutamate build-up is also another possible cause for sporadic ALS. In ALS, Glutamate, a neurotransmitter that carries signals between different nerve cells, accumulates around the nerve cells after it has performed its job of passing the signal between the nerve cells, causing complications. In addition, exposure to toxic materials, such as exposure to cyanobacteria, was first identified to cause ALS after the revelation that the number of ALS cases in Gulf War veterans was twice the amount of what was anticipated because of the environmental toxins they were surrounded by.

 

The remaining 10% of the cases of ALS are familial and are caused by an inherited gene. Most familial ALS cases have been caused by autosomal dominant inheritance. This means that the ALS gene mutation is not on the X or Y chromosome. Since it is a dominant condition, the person will develop ALS even if they inherit only one copy of the gene. In familial ALS, the genes that are most often mutated are the SOD1 gene or C9orf72 gene. Mutations on the SOD1 gene are responsible for 30% of familial ALS in Asian populations as well as 15% in European populations. The SOD1 gene was the first gene to be identified as one of the main causes of familial ALS. When the SOD1 gene is not mutated, it’s primary function is to make an enzyme called superoxide dismutase, which helps with the breakdown of toxic charged particles in the body. The C9orf72 gene makes a protein that is abundant in nerve cells. When a repeat expansion mutation occurs on the C9orf72 gene, it is linked to ALS as well as some forms of dementia. A repeat expansion mutation occurs when a string of DNA base-pairs gets repeated beyond a certain length, known as the “threshold length.”

The symptoms of ALS can vary from person to person because it depends on which nerve cells are affected. Generally, there is no pain in the early stages of ALS, and pain is also very uncommon in the late stages of ALS. ALS first starts in the limbs, feet, and hands, but eventually spreads to other parts of the body. As it spreads, the muscles begin to weaken as nerve cells are progressively being destroyed. Eventually, this can affect the ability to carry out normal activities. It may become difficult to walk, chew, swallow, and breathe. In addition, affected individuals often experience weakness in their ankles or hands, clumsiness, and spasticity (tightness in the muscles). The pseudobulbar affect (crying, laughing, or yawning at inappropriate times), slurred speech, muscle cramps, and twitching in the shoulders, arms, and tongue are all signs of ALS. In addition, dementia, in particular frontotemporal dementia, can accompany ALS. Some symptoms of frontotemporal dementia include loss of judgement, changes in eating habits, loss of empathy and other interpersonal skills, and increase in repetitive compulsive behaviors. They may also have some speech problems such as hesitant speech and trouble with using and understanding language.

ALS is typically diagnosed after an affected individual displays multiple symptoms and signs during a physical examination. In particular, signs of degeneration in the upper and lower motor neurons indicate the presence of ALS. In general, degeneration of upper motor neurons causes spasticity (tightness and stiffness in muscles), while degeneration of lower motor neurons usually lead to flaccidity (floppy and extremely loose limbs and muscles). However, some of the symptoms of ALS overlap with various other conditions. Therefore, a more detailed neurological examination is required.

Tests to confirm ALS diagnosis include:

  • Electromyography (EMG) → measures the electrical activity of muscle cells, which helps to indicate the health of the nerves and the muscles they control

  • Nerve Conduction Study (NCS) → asses the ability for a nerve to send a signal to a muscle

  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) → helps produce a detailed image of spinal cord and brain through the use of radio waves and magnetic fields, allowing doctors to eliminate conditions that may present the same symptoms as ALS

  • Doctor may advise other tests, such as blood and urine tests, in order to eliminate the possibility of other conditions that present themselves in similar ways

Although there is no cure for ALS yet, there are various treatments available that can help alleviate some of the symptoms. Multidisciplinary treatment plans can provide the best care for those struggling with ALS. The FDA has approved the drugs Riluzole and Edaravone as effective treatments for ALS. Riluzole is a drug that helps to reduce the damage of motor neurons by targeting the excess glutamate production in affected individuals, but it does not reverse the damage that has already been done by ALS. Riluzole can prolong affected individuals’ lives by a few months. Edaravone helps to slow the deterioration of daily functioning for affected individuals. In addition, physicians can prescribe affected individuals with drugs to help manage their symptoms of muscle cramps, stiffness, etc. Physical therapy can also help the affected individual’s unaffected muscles strengthen and improve cardiovascular health without overworking the muscles. Some examples of this physical activity can include swimming, walking, and stretching. Wheelchairs and braces may also be helpful to help the affected individual conserve energy. Speech therapists may also be useful in allowing affected individuals to continue verbally communicating. Nutritional support is also extremely important to increase strength. A doctor may also recommend Noninvasive Ventilation (NIV) to provide breathing support.

The rate of ALS progression varies across individuals and is difficult to predict. Survival ranges from many months to more than a decade after the first symptoms present themselves. The most common cause of death is respiratory failure. If given a multidisciplinary treatment plan, affected individuals can continue to live productive lives for many years.

Name Description
isisRGIIntern Due to dysphagia, eating may become a problem. However, adequate nutrition and fluids can be obtained with use of a gastric feeding tube and vitamin therapy. Physical therapy would also help maintain joint flexibility and prevent muscle contractures. Communication devices such as artificial speech articulation, “The Talking Board”, and the “Etran Board” would be useful for people who have lost their ability to speak.
Community Details Update Created by RareshareTeam
Last updated 3 Feb 2021, 06:29 PM

Posted by RareshareTeam
3 Feb 2021, 06:29 PM

Hi everyone,

The Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) community details have been updated. I added more information about the causes, prevalence, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment for ALS. Hopefully, you find it helpful!

 

contact Created by asmnm
Last updated 18 Oct 2008, 08:53 PM

Posted by asmnm
18 Oct 2008, 08:53 PM

Hello All members

Community External News Link
Title Date Link
Could This Radical New Approach to Alzheimer’s Lead to a Breakthrough? 02/10/2019
25-year-old faces rare form of ALS that took her twin, but experimental drug offers hope 06/22/2019
Apic Bio’s APB-102 Receives Orphan Drug Designation from the FDA for the Treatment of Genetic SOD1 ALS 07/23/2019
Drew Brees gives emotional speech as Steve Gleason receives Congressional Gold Medal 01/18/2020
We in the Rare Disease Community Can Learn From Each Other 02/06/2022
‘Abnormal’ Protein Could Be Common Link Between All Forms of Motor Neuron Disease 08/14/2022
For Some ALS Patients, A New Drug Shows Potential To Slow And Even Reverse Disease Progression 09/24/2022
Drug for rare form of Lou Gehrig's disease OK'd by FDA 04/30/2023
Chinese families being 'destroyed' by burden of facing rare disease ALS 08/06/2023
Community Resources
Title Description Date Link
The ALS Association

The ALS Association relentlessly pursues its mission to help people living with ALS and to leave no stone unturned in search for the cure of the progressive neurodegenerative disease that took the life and name of Baseball Legend Lou Gehrig.

03/20/2017
ALS Therapy Development Institute

The ALS Therapy Development Institute is a nonprofit biotechnology company discovering treatments for patients alive today. Our approach combines the power of a nonprofit mission with the best practices of a for-profit biotechnology company: rigorous, open-minded research and proven drug development techniques.

03/20/2017

Clinical Trials


Cords registry

CoRDS, or the Coordination of Rare Diseases at Sanford, is based at Sanford Research in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. It provides researchers with a centralized, international patient registry for all rare diseases. This program allows patients and researchers to connect as easily as possible to help advance treatments and cures for rare diseases. The CoRDS team works with patient advocacy groups, individuals and researchers to help in the advancement of research in over 7,000 rare diseases. The registry is free for patients to enroll and researchers to access.

Enrolling is easy.

  1. Complete the screening form.
  2. Review the informed consent.
  3. Answer the permission and data sharing questions.

After these steps, the enrollment process is complete. All other questions are voluntary. However, these questions are important to patients and their families to create awareness as well as to researchers to study rare diseases. This is why we ask our participants to update their information annually or anytime changes to their information occur.

Researchers can contact CoRDS to determine if the registry contains participants with the rare disease they are researching. If the researcher determines there is a sufficient number of participants or data on the rare disease of interest within the registry, the researcher can apply for access. Upon approval from the CoRDS Scientific Advisory Board, CoRDS staff will reach out to participants on behalf of the researcher. It is then up to the participant to determine if they would like to join the study.

Visit sanfordresearch.org/CoRDS to enroll.

Community Leaders

 

Expert Questions

Ask a question

Community User List

123Genetix is an innovative not-for-profit organization created to advance rare disease research with our predictive computer modeling technology. We believe that rare should not mean forgotten. To...

Pediatric Physical Therapist specializing in rare conditions and multiple disabilities
I am a family medicine physician with an interest in how to better diagnose rare disorders in the primary care setting. I would like to see family doctors work with their patients for prompt and...
I am involved in research and interested in shaping LGMD research to meet patients and doctors and physio needs. I am not a LGMD sufferer but rather a concerned scientist. I would understand from...
test account

Start a Community


Don't See Your Condition On Rareshare?

Start your own! With a worldwide network of 8,000 users, you won't be the only member of your community for long.

FAQ


Have questions about rareshare?

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page to find the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.

Discussion Forum

Community Details Update

Created by RareshareTeam | Last updated 3 Feb 2021, 06:29 PM

contact

Created by asmnm | Last updated 18 Oct 2008, 08:53 PM


Communities

Our Communities

Join Rareshare to meet other people that have been touched by rare diseases. Learn, engage, and grow with our communities.

FIND YOUR COMMUNITY
Physicians

Our Resources

Our rare disease resources include e-books and podcasts

VIEW OUR EBOOKS

LISTEN TO OUR PODCASTS

VIEW OUR GUIDES

Leaders

Our Community Leaders

Community leaders are active users that have been touched by the rare disease that they are a part of. Not only are they there to help facilitate conversations and provide new information that is relevant for the group, but they are there for you and to let you know you have a support system on Rareshare.