Medline Plus defines amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, as a disease of the nervous system. Neurons or nerve cells are responsible for transmitting messages from the brain and spinal cord to the voluntary muscles of the body. ALS, which is also called Lou Gehrig's disease, attacks these nerve cells, causing problems in walking, writing and speaking in the beginning. As the disease progresses, the patient develops serious problems and symptoms.
Muscle Weakness & Atrophy
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, muscle weakness and atrophy are symptoms of end-stage ALS disease. The NINDS further states that the body part affected by early symptoms depends on the order in which the muscles first get damaged. However, as the disease progresses, muscle weakness spreads to the other parts of the body. The individual has problems with movement that become increasingly worse. The muscles may also become tight and stiff. Abnormal and exaggerated reflexes are seen. This includes the Babinski's sign. In this, when the sole of the foot is stimulated, the large toe tends to extend upwards. This is an indication that the upper motor neurons are damaged. Muscle cramps and fleeting twitching of the muscles is also seen under the skin, which signals damage to the lower motor neuron.
Dysphagia, or difficulty in swallowing, is seen. Dysarthria, or difficulty in forming words or speaking, also develops.
Problems with Memory Problems & Decision-Making
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) reports that individuals with end-stage ALS disease experience problems with their memory. They also may experience depression, find it difficult to make decisions and perform other cognitive tasks. This has to do with the damaging effect of ALS on the nerves, which can affect the transmission of appropriate brain signals.
Breathing Difficulties
Breathing difficulty is another symptom of end-stage ALS disease, as reported by Medline Plus. At a later stage, the muscles of the respiratory system fail and the individual is not able to breathe. For survival, these individuals have to be put on ventilator support. This may help for some time; however, most people with ALS die due to respiratory failure. Individuals are also at a higher risk of catching pneumonia during the later stages of the disease.
Other Signs and Symptoms
Patients find it increasingly difficult to swallow and chew. They are at an increased risk of choking. They continue to lose weight rapidly. Since the patient is fully aware of the loss of function of the various parts of the body, he may begin to feel anxious and depressed.
