The demise of popular actor Eric Dane has put a spotlight on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a silent and often misunderstood disease.
According to reports by BBC, the actor,best known for his roles on Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria,died less than a year after revealing that he had ALS at the age of 53.
ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a rare motor neuron disorder that is slightly more common in men than in women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
It affects nerve cells in both the upper and lower parts of the body, leading to progressive muscle weakness and, eventually, paralysis. In most cases, the exact cause of ALS remains unknown.
About 5,000 Americans are diagnosed with ALS each year. While 15 in 100,000 persons are diagnosed with the disease annually in sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria, according to the National Institute of Health.
Several reactions from fans and concerned citizens have followed the death of the renowned actor, with many seeking to better understand the causes and effects of this silent disease.
Here are three things to know about ALS, its symptoms, management, and progressive signs.
Common symptoms
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) often begins with muscle weakness or stiffness in the arms and legs, along with difficulty speaking or swallowing, according to a report by the Mayo Clinic.
Simple tasks such as writing and eating may become challenging, and symptoms gradually spread throughout the body at varying speeds.
Common symptoms include muscle weakness in the limbs and neck, cramps, twitching in the hands, feet, or tongue, stiff muscles, slurred speech, drooling, fatigue, emotional outbursts, and difficulty swallowing.
ALS does not typically affect sight, hearing, taste, smell, eye muscles, or bladder control, according to the ALS Global Association.
Causes
The cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is currently unknown. However, sources indicate that about 10 per cent of cases are linked to specific genetic factors.
However, there are certain risk factors that may increase the likelihood of developing the disease, according to research by the Mayo Clinic.
These risk factors include genetics, sex, age, military service, smoking, and environmental exposure to toxins.
“For the 10 percent of people whose cases are genetic, their children have a 50 percent chance of inheriting the gene mutation,” the Mayo Clinic noted in its research.
ALS is more common in men than in women. However, women who smoke may have a higher risk of developing the disease, experts say.
Evidence also shows that the disease most commonly affects people between the ages of 60 and 80, except in rare cases such as that of Eric Dane.
Reports indicate that people in the military also have a higher risk of developing ALS, possibly due to exposure to trauma, metals, and other toxic substances.
Treatment and cure
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), there is currently no cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and no treatment that can reverse damage to motor neurons.
However, some therapies can help slow the progression of the disease, improve quality of life, and extend survival.
Some of these therapies include breathing care, walking and occupational therapies. These help in improving quality of life and ensuring that the patient stays independent while functioning optimally, experts say.
In recent years, new treatment options have become available, and researchers continue to investigate innovative approaches aimed at slowing or halting the progression of ALS.
