ALS: Lou Gehrig's Disease Took My Father's Life

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS, is better known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Named after the New York Yankee's player when he was diagnosed in the 1930's. ALS is not just his disease, though. Several other well-known people have had it. Such as Jon Stone, the creator of Sesame Street and New York Senator Jacob Javits. That's just a short list of the famous people diagnosed with ALS. For the most part, however, everyday, not well-known people have been diagnosed. From an airline ticket agent to a housewife, anyone can develop ALS.

It is most common in men between the ages of 40 and 70. Early symptoms may include:
1. Weakness in a limb.
2. Problems walking; clumsiness
3. Problems gripping things
4. Difficulty with speech
5. Twitching muscles
6. Problems chewing and swallowing
7. Difficulty breathing
8. Drooling
9. Loss of bladder control

This disease is a neurological disorder. Specifically affecting the neuromuscular system. As ALS progresses, paralysis sets in. Patients slowly lose the control of their muscles. The "messengers" from the brain have lost their ability to tell the muscles to move. So, in effect, the muscles waste away because they aren't being used.

This is a very cruel disease since the sight, smell, hearing and thinking abilities aren't affected. It is very frustrating to the patient to be fully aware of what is going on, but unable to respond. This disease literally traps a person in their body.

Twenty years ago, the cause of ALS was a mystery. Doctors were convinced that it definitely WAS NOT an inherited disease. With newer studies, though, researchers may have discovered a genetic link. There could be a defective gene. This gene may hinder the production of an enzyme called superoxide dismutase. This enzyme aids in neutralizing free radicals.

Noninherited ALS could be caused by a defect in the protective enzymes. But some researchers believe environmental hazards may play a role. Exposure to heavy metals, animal hides or fertilizers can trigger the disease.