Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a nervous system disorder that progressively reduces the sufferer's ability to contol movement. The disease is marked by lost of strength, the ability to write, walk and ultimately talk and breath. Most people with ALS die in five years after diagnosis.

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Doctor's Notes on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Symptoms

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Dementia in ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease)

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) affects the voluntary nervous system that causes muscles to weaken, leading progressively to paralysis and death, usually within five years of the first symptoms. ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease, usually doesn't cause cognitive impairment, but is sometimes accompanied by dementia due to destruction of cells in the frontal lobe of the brain.
Dysphagia (Swallowing Problems)

Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) has many causes. Dysphagia can be caused by diseases of the brain, diseases or conditions that affect muscle function, diseases of the esophagus, or obstructions of the upper digestive tract and esophagus. Symptoms of dysphagia generally is a mild to severe form of difficulty swallowing. Treatment of dysphagia depends on the cause.
How Do People Get ALS

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also called Lou Gehrig's disease) is a rare disease that damages the nerves that control muscles. Over time, the muscles gradually weaken, twitch (fasciculate), and atrophy, and the brain loses the ability to control voluntary movements.
Muscle Cramps

Muscle cramps occur when a muscle undergoes a sustained, forceful, and involuntary contraction. The cramp may cause a visible or palpable hardening of the muscle. Dehydration, fatigue, and certain medications may cause muscle cramps. The primary treatments for muscle cramps include relaxing, stretching, massaging, and applying heat to the cramp.
Pick Disease

Pick disease is a form of dementia characterized by a slow decline of mental abilities caused by damaged brain cells. The disease is similar to Alzheimer's. It is a terminal disease, but some drugs such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, and others can slow the progression.

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Pick Disease Pick disease is a form of dementia characterized by a slow decline of mental abilities caused by damaged brain cells. The disease is similar to Alzheimer's. It is a terminal disease, but some drugs such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, and others can slow the progression.

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Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Topic Guide - Visuals

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Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Topic Guide - Medications and Vitamins

Medications:

Tizanidine

Tizanidine is a muscle relaxer that is used to treat spasticity by temporarily relaxing muscle tone...learn more »

Riluzole

Riluzole is used to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease...learn more »

Baclofen

Baclofen is a muscle relaxer that is used to treat muscle pain, spasms, and stiffness in people with multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injury or disease...learn more »