courtesy: The Irish Sun, The US SunALS stands for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. It is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to the gradual loss of voluntary muscle movement.
Star Trek actor Kenneth Mitchell recently passed away due to ALS disease. He died on Saturday, after his six years long battle with the disease.
What is ALS disease?
The disease progressively damages the motor neurons, which are responsible for transmitting signals from the brain to the muscles throughout the body. As the motor neurons degenerate, the muscles they control weaken and eventually become nonfunctional. This can lead to difficulties with basic activities such as walking, speaking, swallowing, and eventually breathing.
ALS typically starts with muscle weakness or stiffness, which can initially be subtle and easily overlooked. However, as the disease progresses, symptoms become more pronounced and debilitating. There is currently no cure for ALS, and the exact cause remains unknown in the majority of cases.
ALS affects each individual differently, with some experiencing a faster progression of symptoms than others. The course of the disease can vary widely, but it generally leads to severe disability and, ultimately, respiratory failure, typically within a few years of diagnosis.
Due to the progressive nature of ALS and its impact on physical function, individuals diagnosed with the disease often require comprehensive support and care from healthcare professionals, caregivers, and support networks.
Despite the challenges posed by ALS, individuals like Kenneth Mitchell have shown incredible resilience and courage in the face of the disease, advocating for greater awareness, research, and support for those affected by ALS.
