What is ALS?

What are possible causes of als?

In ALS, the nerve cells that control muscle movement gradually stop working and die. As a result, muscles become weaker over time and may begin to shrink or waste away. ALS is believed to have multiple interacting causes, and research is ongoing to better understand why it occurs.

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Researchers are studying several possible causes of ALS, including:

• Gene mutation. Certain genetic mutations can lead to inherited ALS, which often looks very similar to ALS that is not inherited.

• Chemical imbalance. Some people with ALS have higher than normal levels of glutamate, a chemical messenger in the brain and spinal fluid. Too much glutamate can be toxic to nerve cells.

• Disorganized immune response. In some cases, the immune system may mistakenly attack the body’s own cells, which could contribute to nerve cell damage.

• Protein mishandling. Abnormal processing of proteins inside nerve cells may cause harmful protein buildup over time, which may lead to nerve cell death.

What are the signs and symptoms of als?

ALS symptoms can vary from person to person, but early signs may include tripping or falling more often, dropping things, and slurred or “thick” speech. Some people also experience muscle cramping, changes in reflexes, weakness, and decreased muscle tone. As ALS progresses, it can cause difficulty swallowing and shortness of breath, including at rest.

How long will i live with als?

Every person’s experience with ALS is different, and no one, including your medical team, can predict exactly how long you will live with ALS. Many people live 2 to 5 years after symptoms begin, though some live a shorter time and others live much longer, including individuals in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia who have lived for more than 10 years. Support from family and friends, maintaining a positive outlook, learning about the disease, and accepting supports such as nutrition, breathing assistance, and other equipment can help you manage changes over time. The ALS Society of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia is here to support you and help you live as well as possible for as long as possible.

Are there any treatments?

While there is currently no cure for ALS, the pace of drug research has accelerated greatly since the Ice Bucket Challenge.

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For many years, Riluzole was the only medication shown to slow ALS progression slightly. More recently, Edaravone became a second medication approved for the management of ALS.

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The exact mechanism of either drug is not fully understood. Riluzole is thought to reduce damage to motor neurons by inhibiting glutamate release, while Edaravone is thought to act as a neuroprotective agent by preventing oxidative stress and free radical damage as a free radical scavenger. With limited treatment options, it is important for health care professionals to understand the nuances of using these two agents to optimize therapy and quality of life for patients with ALS.

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In addition to medication, there are treatments, strategies, and equipment that can help keep you as comfortable as possible and support breathing, mobility, and communication. Your multidisciplinary team at the ALS Clinic can help you decide on interventions and equipment.

Who do i contact?

ALS Clinic Contact Information

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New Brunswick – The Stan Cassidy Centre for Rehabilitation

Tel: 506-447-4082

Nova Scotia – Capital District Health Authority – Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre
Tel: 902-473-5565