There is no cure foramyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS).
This article discusses current medications and recent advances in the treatment of ALS.
Solskin / Getty Images
The Stages of ALS
ALS progresses instages.
Solskin / Getty Images
In advanced stages, muscle weakness leads to an inability to speak, swallow, and walk.
Individuals will require mechanical ventilation when the muscles used for breathing (diaphragm) stop working.
People with this condition ultimately become wheelchair-dependent.
As ALS progresses, it will eventually lead to death.
There is no cure for ALS.
Prognosis for ALS
The prognosis for ALS is poor.
Therapies help individuals with the condition adapt to the physical and emotional changes that occur with ALS.
Researchers continue to study potential new medications and treatments for the disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
The average survival time for people with ALS is three years.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for or way to prevent ALS from progressing, even with early diagnosis.
However, medications can help slow the disease progression.
Symptoms of ALS progress at different rates for individuals with this condition.
However, the disease does not go into remission.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.External research funded by the national ALS registry.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
U.S. Food & Drug Administration.FDA approves treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis associated with a mutation in the SOD1 gene.
ALS Association.Stages of ALS.
U.S. National Library of Medicine.ClinicalTrials.gov: ALS.
ALS Association.Who gets ALS?
