In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, there is progressive degeneration of motor nerves (nerves that control movement) in the spinal cord.
The disorder also affects muscles: as the motor nerves lose the ability to stimulate muscle activity, the muscles weaken and waste away. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis usually begins after the age of about 50, although rarely it may occur in childhood or adolescence.
The cause is unknown, although in a few people there is a genetic susceptibility. Initially, symptoms develop over a few months, with weakness and wasting in the hands, arms, and legs. Other early symptoms of ALS may include twitching, stiffness, muscle cramps, and sometimes speech problems.
As the disease progresses, symptoms worsen and cause problems with everyday activities, such as holding objects, climbing stairs, and walking. Mental abilities are usually not impaired, although control of emotions may be affected and some people become depressed. Eventually, the muscles that control breathing are affected and become weakened, and the person dies.
There is no cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, although treatment may relieve some of the symptoms and slow progression of the disease
