Lou Gehrig's Disease
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What is Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis?Is there any treatment?What is the prognosis?What research is being done?OrganizationsPublicaciones en Español
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What is Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis?
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), sometimes called Lou Gehrig's disease, is a rapidly progressive, invariably fatal neurological
disease that attacks the nerve cells (neurons) responsible for controlling voluntary muscles. In ALS, both the upper motor neurons and the lower motor neurons degenerate
or die, ceasing to send messages to muscles. Unable to function, the muscles gradually weaken, waste away, and twitch. Eventually
the ability of the brain to start and control voluntary movement is lost. Individuals with ALS lose their strength and the
ability to move their arms, legs, and body. When muscles in the diaphragm and chest wall fail, individuals lose the ability
to breathe without ventilatory support. The disease does not affect a person's ability to see, smell, taste, hear, or recognize
touch, and it does not usually impair a person’s thinking or other cognitive abilities. However, several recent studies suggest
that a small percentage of patients may experience problems with memory or decision-making, and there is growing evidence
that some may even develop a form of dementia. The cause of ALS is not known, and scientists do not yet know why ALS strikes
some people and not others.
Is there any treatment?
No cure has yet been found for ALS. However, the FDA has approved the first drug treatment for the disease—riluzole. Riluzole
is believed to reduce damage to motor neurons and prolongs survival by several months, mainly in those with difficulty swallowing.
Other treatments are designed to relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life for people with ALS. Drugs also are available
to help individuals with pain, depression, sleep disturbances, and constipation. Individuals with ALS may eventually consider
forms of mechanical ventilation (respirators).
What is the prognosis?
Regardless of the part of the body first affected by the disease, muscle weakness and atrophy spread to other parts of the
body as the disease progresses. Individuals have increasing problems with moving, swallowing, and speaking or forming words.
Eventually people with ALS will not be able to stand or walk, get in or out of bed on their own, or use their hands and arms.
In later stages of the disease, individuals have difficulty breathing as the muscles of the respiratory system weaken. Although
ventilation support can ease problems with breathing and prolong survival, it does not affect the progression of ALS. Most
people with ALS die from respiratory failure, usually within 3 to 5 years from the onset of symptoms. However, about 10 percent
of those individuals with ALS survive for 10 or more years.
What research is being done?
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) conducts research in its laboratories at the National
Institutes of Health (NIH) and also supports additional research through grants to major medical institutions across the country.
The goals of this research are to find the cause or causes of ALS, understand the mechanisms involved in the progression of
the disease, and develop effective treatments.
Select this link
to view a list of studies currently seeking patients.
Organizations
Publicaciones en Español
-
Esclerosis Lateral AmiotróficaEsclerosis lateral amiotrófica (ELA) hoja informativa/Spanish-language fact sheet on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) from
the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).
Prepared by:
Office of Communications and Public Liaison
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892
NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by
or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice
on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined
that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history.
All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated.
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Last updated June 19, 2007
