Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Overview

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive, fatal motor neuron disease marked by simultaneous degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons. As these neurons die, muscles progressively weaken and waste, eventually impairing speech, swallowing, and breathing.

Symptoms

• Muscle wasting
• Limb weakness
• Muscle fasciculations
• Difficulty swallowing
• Slurred speech

Treatment

Treatment focuses on drugs that slow progression, combined with respiratory support, nutritional support, and rehabilitation care.

Dietary advice

Eat a high-calorie, high-protein diet, and use pureed foods or tube feeding when swallowing is difficult.