ALS - What it is

This is just a little bit of research I did about ALS. I looked at few different sites and composed a "simpler version" of what I learned.

ALS stands for Amyotrophic Lateral Scelerosis and is often refereed to as Lou Gehrig's Disease. I had heard of Lou Gehrig's Disease before but through this research I found out why ALS is called Lou Gehrigs Disease. It is because a baseball hall-of-famer for the Yankees was diagnoised with ALS and gave it a lot of media attention in 1868. Throughout the world people call ALS different things, but it is nmost commonly ALS or MND (motor neuron disease) 

This disease effects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.  When the motor neurons die the ability for the brain to imitate and control muscle movement is lost. As the nerves in the spine and brain die, it leaves physical scarring or hardening in its wake (sclerosis).  ALS often leads to death. 

Early signs of ALS include weakening of muscles, especially in the arms, legs and those concerning speech, swallowing and breathing. As these muscles stop receiving "orders" they become weaker and begin "atrophy" (getting smaller). This causes limbs to being to look thinner. 

Although there are several neurons in the brain and spine, the ones effected by ALS are the ones responsible for voluntary movements and muscle power. Although our heart and digestive systems are all muscles, because they are involuntary (or happen automatically) ALS does not usually effect those. Although while breathing seems involuntary it is usually effected by ALS. Event hose with advanced ALS can still feel, see, smell, and hear even if they aren't very responsive.

The cause of ALS has not been found. It doesn't seem genetic or to come from any sort of chemical or any kind of exposure, although studies are still being done to find the cause. There is no cure for ALS currently. There is however medication that those with ALS can take to slow the symptoms and progression of the disease. 

I love the ice bucket challenge. It is raising awareness, and several people who do it still donate money. The ALS Association has raised a lot of money these last few months beaucae of the ice bucket challenge, and I think that is great! I also love that my friend and family are doing something silly and putting it on facebook that Lady Gaga, Gwen Stephanie and George W Bush are all doing too! I think it is kind of uniting us in a way. Whether or not you do the Ice Bucket challenge I recommend you learn about ALS and donate if you can. 

ALS Association - Donate Here! 

ALS Association - What is ALS
Kids Health - Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS)