ABOUT ALS & LINKS
About ALS || ALS Links || About MDA || ALS in the NEWS
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS),
often referred to as "Lou Gehrig's disease," is a progressive
neurodegenerative disease that attacks nerve cells in the brain and the
spinal cord. Motor neurons reach from the brain to the spinal cord and
from the spinal cord to the muscles throughout the body. The progressive
degeneration of the motor neurons in ALS eventually lead to their death.
When the motor neurons die, the ability of the brain to initiate and control
muscle movement is lost. With all voluntary muscle action affected, patients
in the later stages of the disease become totally paralyzed. Yet, through
it all, for the vast majority of people, their minds remain unaffected.
The cause of ALS is unknown. Researchers know that an excess of a neurotransmitter called glutamate clogs the synapse of the nerve cell preventing transmission of neural impulses. The cause of this neurotransmitter problem remains a mystery, although there are several theories which may provide an explanation.
ALS was first identified in 1869 by the noted French neurologist
Jean-Martin Charcot. Lou Gehrig, with whom ALS is most commonly associated,
first brought national and international attention to the disease back
in 1939 when he abruptly retired from baseball after being diagnosed with
ALS. To learn more about Lou Gehrig, visit www.lougehrig.com.
Below are some current links to more information about ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease)
http://www.mdausa.org Muscular Distrophy Association- MDA provides
support for ALS as well as about 40 other neuromuscular diseases. MDA
funds research and supports 230 clinics in the U.S. Click on the MDA/ALS
logo to go directly to the ALS division website of MDA where you'll find
links to support groups, information about ALS and much much more.
http://www.ALSA.org-The
ALS Association seeks to promote awareness and understanding of ALS and
the work of The ALS Association by providing up-to-date information and
education materials to the ALS community
http://www.lougehrigsdisease.net- The ALS Survival Guide (Also has discussion board and frequently asked questions about ALS)
http://www.bcm.tmc.edu/neurol/struct/als/als1.html Baylor College of Medicine: includes extensive information on research in ALS and commonly asked questions.
http://www.alslinks.com A comprehensive collection of ALS related links
The Muscular Distrophy Association serves as
the focal organization for research and treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral
Sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's Disease). Afflicted with ALS himself, Al believes
the work of the MDA will help find a cure. He has dedicated himself toward
assisting the organization to this end. The
following is information from the materials distributed during MDA ALS
Awareness Month (held each May):
Did You Know?
The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is proud to be the world leader
in the fight against Amnyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) more commonly
known as Lou Gehrig's Disease.
MDA has been fighting ALS since the 1950s when Lou Gehrig's widow, Eleanor,
helped the association launch an unprecedented effort to conquer the disorder.
With over $100 million invested, MDA has made great progress in understanding
the causes of ALS and toward developing effective treatments or cures.
MDA maintains 22 ALS Research & Clinical Care Centers, and a nationwide
network of some 230 hospital-affiliated clinics.
MDA spends more dollars than any other voluntary health agency on direct
health care services, medical equipment, and support groups for those
with ALS - all while conducting a global scientific search for a treatment
or cure.
Here are some articles I find interesting ~Alfred
NEURON GENERATION: Researchers make stem cell breakthrough
Source: Stem Cell Week
Published: 12/02/02
Abstract:
For years, scientists have dreamed of using stem cells to replace
neurons damaged by brain or spinal cord injury or such neurological
disorders as Parkinson disease, Alzheimer disease or amyotrophic
lateral sclerosis (ALS). READ
ARTICLE HERE