Neurologist Warns About ALS: Pay Attention to Progressive Symptoms

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive disease that damages motor neurons in the spinal cord, gradually causing muscle weakness and loss of function. Neurologist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Buse Çağla Arı emphasized the importance of early symptom recognition for managing the disease, especially around World ALS Awareness Day.

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ALS is a progressive disease that results from the gradual damage of motor nerve cells in the spinal cord. Due to the degeneration of these cells, the signals sent to the muscles decrease, and muscle weakness develops over time.

Dr. Arı explained that ALS affects the motor nerve cells in the spinal cord, reducing the signals sent to muscles and leading to progressive weakness. Symptoms can include loss of strength in limbs, slowed movement, fatigue, difficulty swallowing, and involuntary muscle twitching. While ALS can affect people of any age, it is most frequently observed in individuals over 65, though younger cases are rarer. The disease often starts subtly but can advance to significantly impact daily activities.

A key characteristic of ALS is that it typically spares cognitive functions, meaning patients remain aware of their surroundings even in later stages. However, Dr. Arı noted that some patients may develop frontotemporal dementia alongside ALS, necessitating evaluation for memory issues if they arise. The disease does not cause loss of consciousness.

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The disease can manifest as weakness in the arms and legs, slowed movements, intense fatigue, difficulty swallowing, and involuntary muscle twitching.

Currently, there is no definitive cure for ALS. Treatments focus on slowing its progression and enhancing the patient's quality of life. This requires a coordinated effort from various medical specialists, including neurologists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, and nutritionists. Patients experiencing swallowing difficulties may need special feeding methods, while those with muscle weakness and mobility limitations benefit from physical therapy.

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Although ALS can be seen at any age, it is more common in older age. We most frequently see the disease in individuals aged 65 and over. It can also be seen at younger ages, but this is rarer.

Dr. Arı urged individuals experiencing symptoms like limb weakness, muscle twitches, swallowing difficulties, or progressive loss of movement to consult a neurologist promptly. She stressed that there are no preventive measures for ALS, making early diagnosis, regular monitoring, and supportive therapies crucial for maintaining patients' quality of life.

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One of the important characteristics of the disease is that it mostly preserves cognitive functions. ALS patients are aware of what is happening around them until the late stages of the disease. The disease does not cause loss of consciousness.