als

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, sometimes called Lou Gehrig’s disease, Maladie de Charcot or motor neuron disease) is a chronic, progressive, almost invariably fatal neurological disease. ALS is marked by gradual degeneration of the nerve cells in the central nervous system that control voluntary muscle movement. The disorder causes muscle weakness and atrophy throughout the body. In ALS, both the upper motor neurons and the lower motor neurons degenerate or die, ceasing to send messages to muscles. Unable to function, the muscles gradually weaken, waste away (atrophy), and have fasciculations because of denervation. Eventually, the ability of the brain to start and control voluntary movement is lost. NINDS Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Information Page. However, even patients in advanced stages of the disease may retain the same intelligence, memory, and personality they had before its onset.

Epidemiology

ALS is one of the most common neuromuscular diseases worldwide, and people of all races and ethnic backgrounds are affected. ALS most commonly strikes people between 40 and 60 years of age, but younger and older people can also develop the disease. Men are affected more often than women.

Symptoms

The onset of ALS may be so subtle that the symptoms are frequently overlooked. The earliest symptoms may include twitching, cramping, or stiffness of muscles; muscle weakness affecting an arm or a leg; slurred and nasal speech; or difficulty chewing or swallowing. ALS - Lou Gehrig's Disease - NeurologyChannel.