Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Published on Nov 25, 2015
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PRESENTATION OUTLINE
Sometimes called Lou Gehrig's disease, is a rapidly progressive, fatal neurological disease that attacks motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system) responsible for controlling voluntary muscles in the arms, legs, and face. The disease belongs to a group of disorders known as motor neuron diseases, which are characterized by the gradual degeneration and death of motor neurons.
Anyone can get ALS; however, it is more prevalent in white males aged 60-69. According to National ALS Registry, more than 12000 people in the US have a definite diagnosis.
The earliest symptoms may include cramps, tight and stiff muscles, muscle weakness affecting an arm or a leg, slurred speech, or difficulty chewing or swallowing.
Eventually individuals will not be able to stand or walk, get in or out of bed on their own, or use their hands and arms. Difficulty swallowing and chewing will impair the person’s ability to eat normally and increase the risk of choking.
Glutamate: a neurotransmitter that is believed to be one of the causes of ALS. Too much exposure to glutamate is toxic to a neuron and cause destruction. Glutamate, when transported between neurons, has to be cleared very quickly after landing on a neuron. However, the transporter that does this is mutated in ALS patients.
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