Are you aware of ALS disease? (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) - Let's talk about this in detail

Do you suddenly feel muscle twitching in an arm, leg, or shoulder? Or do you feel like your words are slurred when you speak, or your limbs are numb? Although we think these are normal things, sometimes these can be the first signs of a more serious disease related to the nervous system, such as ALS ( Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ) . Don't be scared when you hear this name. Today we are talking about this disease called ALS, as simply as talking to a friend.

Simply put, what is ALS?

Think about it, our body is like a complex machine. Our brain sends messages to the parts of this machine to work. There is a special type of nerve cell that carries these messages to the muscles. We call these motor neurons . When you walk, eat, talk, breathe, all of this is controlled by messages coming from these motor neurons.

In ALS, for some reason, these motor neurons gradually weaken, become inactive, and die. Then, even though the brain wants to, it has no way to send messages to the muscles. When the messages are not received, the muscles gradually shrink and weaken. We call this atrophy .

Although the damage caused by this disease cannot be reversed, various medications and treatments can make daily life easier and control the rate at which the disease progresses.

There are two main types of ALS.

ALS can be divided into two main parts:

1. Sporadic ALS : This is the most common type. About 95% of ALS patients have this type. "Sporadic" means that it occurs randomly, without a clear cause.

2. Familial ALS (FALS): This is a hereditary form. Between 5% and 10% of ALS patients have this type. Here, the disease is caused by a genetic defect (gene mutation) and the defective gene is passed on from parents to children.

What really causes ALS?

To be honest, researchers are still trying to figure out what exactly causes ALS. However, there are a few things that are thought to contribute to it:

• Gene mutations: It has been found that changes in certain genes can damage motor neurons.
• Glutamate imbalance: Glutamate is a chemical (neurotransmitter) that transmits messages between the brain and nerves. It is believed that this glutamate accumulates around the nerve cells of ALS patients and can damage the nerves.
• Immune system problems: Sometimes our body's own immune system can attack and destroy healthy motor nerve cells.
• Oxidative stress : Some harmful byproducts (free radicals) that form when our cells produce energy can damage nerve cells.
• Environmental factors: Research is also being conducted to see if exposure to certain chemicals or germs could be a cause.

What are the symptoms of ALS?

The symptoms of ALS can vary from person to person, but in general, the main symptom is the loss of muscle control over time.

How is ALS diagnosed?

Diagnosing ALS can be a bit tricky, as the symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases. Therefore, a doctor will run several tests to make sure there are no other conditions.

Are ALS and MS two different things?

Many people confuse ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) and MS (Multiple Sclerosis). Although both affect the nervous system, they are two different diseases.

• MS (Multiple Sclerosis) is an autoimmune disease that damages the protective covering (myelin) around nerve cells.
• In ALS , motor neurons are directly destroyed.

Treatment and management of ALS

There is currently no cure for ALS. However, there are several medications that can help slow the progression of the disease, prolong life, and make daily life easier. For example, Riluzole and Edaravone are approved for this purpose. Your doctor will prescribe the most suitable treatment for you.

In addition, there are various treatments for symptom management.

• Medicine for things like bloating, pain, constipation, and fatigue.
• Physical Therapy: Helps keep muscles strong and mobile for as long as possible.
• Occupational Therapy: Teaches you about equipment and techniques that help you perform daily tasks more easily.
• Speech Therapy: Helps with speech and swallowing difficulties.
• Respiratory Therapy: Provides support when breathing difficulties occur.

Things to know when living with ALS

An ALS diagnosis is a life-changing challenge. However, there are ways to live strong with the condition.

• Allow yourself to feel your emotions: It's normal to feel sad, angry, or scared. Don't bottle up those feelings, talk to someone you trust.
• Be informed: Learn about your condition. Ask your doctor questions.
• Join support groups: Talking to others who are living with this disease like you is a great source of mental strength.
• Make changes at home: As the disease progresses, walking may become more difficult. So, consider things like removing slippery carpets, installing grab bars in the bathroom, and adjusting doorways to make them easier for a wheelchair.
• Support your caregivers: It's a big burden on your family and friends who are helping you on this journey. Help them rest and take care of their mental health.

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