LOC100507065
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Description
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects the motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. Motor neurons are nerve cells that send signals from the brain to the muscles, controlling movement. In ALS, these motor neurons gradually deteriorate and die, leading to muscle weakness, atrophy, and paralysis.
Associated Diseases
- Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD): A brain disorder characterized by changes in behavior, personality, and language. About 15% of ALS patients also develop FTD.
- Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP): A movement disorder that affects balance, eye movements, and cognition. About 10% of ALS patients also have PSP.
- Kennedy's Disease: An X-linked inherited disorder that causes muscle weakness and wasting, particularly in the lower extremities.
Did you Know ?
- ALS affects approximately 5 out of every 100,000 people worldwide.
