|
RISING WOMEN EXPERT ADVICE...
What is ALS?
ALS stands for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or Lou Gehrig’s Disease. It is
a rapidly degenerative, always fatal neuromuscular disease. It attacks the
nerves that the body would normally use to send messages from the brain to
the muscle, resulting in weakness and wasting. Eventually, the individual
with ALS is left completely immobilized, with loss of speech and eventually
an inability to swallow and breathe.
The sensory neurons in people living with ALS continue to function normally
so that they will continue to feel the sensations of heat, cold, discomfort,
etc. The mind often remains completely alert and lucid. The result is often
a lively, unimpaired mind trapped in an immobilized body. The average life
expectancy from symptom onset is 3 to 5 years; the real challenge in the
medical community at large is correctly diagnosing ALS in the early stages,
so that the ALS Society of Alberta is able to provide the maximum level of
assistance to the person living with ALS and that person’s family.
Statistics show that approximately 3,000 Canadians live with ALS and two to
three Canadians a day die of ALS.
Although ALS has been identified for more than 135 years, in the majority of
cases, the cause is unknown. Research is being conducted in areas relating
to genetic predispositions, viral or infectious agents, environmental
toxins, stem cell research and immunological changes. Some of this research
is happening right here in Alberta.
Is there a cure? Simply, no, there is no known cure and no treatment that
prolongs life significantly. Some drugs now available and others being
developed will offer new treatment options. Research is investigating ways
to reverse the disease. The ALS Society of Canada, in partnership with the
ALS Society of Alberta and other sister provincial societies across Canada,
are working tirelessly to isolate a cause and eventually a cure for ALS.
Admittedly, the progress seems to be slow but several new areas of research
offer significant encouragement.
ALS is a disease of families. As the disease progresses, individuals become
completely dependent, and increasingly unable to communicate their needs.
Institutionalization is rare; care is almost always provided by family
members. Often, family members must quit their jobs to provide this care.
This adds enormous financial strain to the already severe emotional stress
placed on families coping with the imminent loss of a loved one.
Have more questions about ALS. Visit
www.alsab.ca |
