Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig's disease, is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that affects motor nerves controlling the voluntary muscles located in the central nervous system. The ALS Association estimates that around 5,600 new cases of ALS are diagnosed in the United States annually. According to the Mayo Clinic, this disease strikes more males than females with 5 to 10 percent of ALS cases being inherited. While nearly half of patients die three to five years from onset, other patients may live longer.
Muscle Weakness and Cramps
The ALS Association states that muscle weakness is the most common early symptom for about 60 percent of patients. Muscle weakness tends to first be experienced in the hands, feet, arms and legs. The ALS sufferer might drop objects or have difficulty lifting a foot. Trouble with coordination during walking is common, giving the appearance of clumsiness. The weakness is usually accompanied by painful muscle cramps and twitching. This initial weakness eventually will develop into paralysis.
Speech and Swallowing Problems
Other commonly seen symptoms of this disease involve the upper alimentary canal where food is ingested such as the tongue, mouth and esophagus. A person may begin to have trouble controlling tongue movements with excessive saliva production; this produces challenges in speaking and eating. Quality of speech and voice begins to change and sounds slur as the nerves of the tongue grow weaker.
Breathing Deterioration
The muscles responsible for breathing begin to deteriorate as this disease progresses. This results in shortness of breath and the inability to inhale enough air and oxygen. Eventually, a permanent respirator will be needed as muscles of the lungs become paralyzed and the individual is incapable of breathing on his own. Death ultimately can occur in those with ALS due to the degeneration of the nerves affecting the upper body such as those involved with breathing and coughing. The Mayo Clinic states that the most common cause of death for ALS patients is respiratory failure.
Emotional Outbursts
Another common symptom of ALS is the display of uncontrollable crying or laughing. These outbursts are due to nerve damage in the region of the brain responsible from regulating emotions, and do not necessarily reflect the actual feelings or mental status of the affected individual. While this is a neurodegenerative disease, most ALS patients remain fully conscious and cognizant throughout and do not experience dementia.
