The full form of ALS is Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Motor neurons, which control voluntary muscle movement, gradually deteriorate and die. This leads to muscle weakness, twitching, and eventually paralysis. ALS is often referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease, named after the famous baseball player who was diagnosed with it in 1939.
The term Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis breaks down as follows:
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Amyotrophic: Means "no muscle nourishment." When a motor neuron is damaged, the muscles it controls begin to atrophy (waste away) due to lack of stimulation.
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Lateral: Refers to the location of the nerve cells that signal and control muscles. In ALS, the affected nerve cells are located in the lateral (side) portions of the spinal cord.
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Sclerosis: Means "hardening" or scarring. This refers to the hardening of the spinal cord that occurs as the motor neurons degenerate and scar tissue replaces them.
While there is currently no cure for ALS, various treatments and therapies can help manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life for individuals living with the disease. Research is ongoing to develop new and effective treatments.
