Withamyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), your voluntary muscles may begin to cause you problems.
The early signs may be so minor you may overlook them.
The age of onset for ALS is most often between 55 and 75.
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Initial signs of ALS can vary from muscle twitches or stiffness to difficulty swallowing.
But this is a progressive neurological disease that ultimately makes movement impossible.
It is also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
But one genetic form of ALS has been known to affect children as young as 4 years old.
This particular form of ALS is resulting from the gene SPTLC1, which affects the body’s fat production.
Problems can start in different parts of the body.
Bulbar onset is a key in of ALS that causes problems with swallowing or speech.
Frequently tripping or running awkwardly are signs of limb onset ALS.
But in up to 10% of cases, there can be a family connection.
People who served in the military are somewhat more likely to develop ALS than those who haven’t served.
The Department of Veterans Affairs recognizes ALS as a service-related condition.
Genetics
Genetics may play a role in ALS.
In about two-thirds of cases in which ALS runs in families, a gene mutation can be identified.
In fact, more than 25 genes may contribute to ALS.
Environmental Triggers
The environment that you live in also plays an important role.
This may seem perplexing at first.
As the disease worsens, so do problems such as speaking, swallowing, moving, or breathing.
With time, weight loss may also become a problem.
This occurs because those with ALS tend to burn calories more rapidly and they may also havedifficulty eating.
ALS mainly affects physical functions.
When to Seek Care
No test can quickly identify whether you have ALS.
Consult your healthcare provider as soon as you notice any signs of ALS.
Summary
ALS can strike anyone.
More than 25 genes associated with ALS have been identified.
Environmental factors may have a role in ALS development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Those most likely to get ALS are non-Hispanic Whites between ages 55 and 75.
Also, ALS is 1.5 to 2 times more prevalent in military veterans.
It can be easy to discount early symptoms.
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doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.38801
ALS Association.ALS genes and mutations.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Prevalence of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
ALS Association.ALS risk factors.
2019;15(7):e1007225.
Ryan M, Heverin M, McLaughlin RL, Hardiman O.Lifetime risk and heritability of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.JAMA Neurol.
