2. ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease, is debilitating, degenerative, and incurable. There are several options in managing this disease’s
progression.
What is ALS?
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. It is sometimes referred to as Motor Neurone
Disease (MND). It is a disorder of the motor neurons and leads to muscle spasticity and atrophy, difficulty speaking and
swallowing, trouble with breathing, and progressive weakness. All voluntary movement can cease due to the degeneration of the
“upper and lower motor neurons” and muscle weakness. The parts of the body often spared in ALS are bowel, bladder, and eye
control, as well as cognitive functioning.
3. Treatment and Support
There is no cure or treatment of ALS that can reverse or stop the disease. There is only one medication, riluzole, that can slow
the progression of ALS. Patients can also have support therapies to help them maintain some independence and “prolong
survival”. Read more.