Get to know ALS and its Symptoms

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a degenerative neurological disease. In this disease there is damage and death of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Nerve cell damage is also accompanied by inflammation of the surrounding tissue. The nerve cells that are damaged are mainly the types that regulate body movement. This condition causes sufferers to experience muscle weakness and a decrease in muscle mass which increasingly extends to other muscles.

Causes of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

Until now, experts do not know what the specific causes of ALS are. However, 5 to 10 percent of cases of this disease are related to hereditary factors.

In addition to hereditary factors, several studies have shown that ALS is also associated with a number of the following conditions:

• Cell damage due to exposure to free radicals.
• Imbalance in glutamate levels, a chemical that acts as a messenger to and from the brain and nerves.
• Abnormalities in body proteins.
• There is inflammation in the nerves of the body.

Some research suggests that smoking may also be a risk factor for ALS. Research into other possible environmental triggers is ongoing.

Here are a number of common symptoms of ALS, namely:

• Difficulty with daily activities, including walking.
• Increased “awkwardness”.
• Weakness in the legs, arms, legs, and ankles.
• Appearance of cramps and twitching in the arms, shoulders, or tongue.
• Difficulty maintaining good posture and holding the head up.
• People with ALS can experience emotional lability (sudden emotional changes). For example, like suddenly laughing out loud or crying uncontrollably.
• Changes in thinking or memory.
• Slurred speech and difficulty with sound projection
• Feeling pain in certain areas of the body.
• Fatigue.

In later stages, ALS can cause the sufferer to have difficulty breathing and swallowing.

Complications

• As amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) progresses, complications such as:
• Respiratory problems
• Entry of food or liquid into the lungs
• Pulmonary dysfunction
• Pneumonia
• Weight loss
• Difficulty speaking
• Feeding difficulties
• Dementia

Prevention of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

Until now, experts have not found a definitive method to prevent ALS. The reason is, until now the cause of ALS is still unclear. However, a person can participate in routine health checks. especially if you have a family member who has ALS, or you have movement disorders. This is intended as an effort to detect this disease from the start.