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Understanding ALS: Spreading Awareness

At the M.A.C.K. Foundation, we are committed to raising awareness about Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a critical part of our mission. Join us as we explore what ALS is, its impact, and how we can collectively have an influence. Together, we can spread knowledge and support.

What is ALS?

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative condition. It devastates motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, leading to the loss of voluntary muscle control. This disease typically causes muscle weakness, stiffness, and twitching. The disease causes paralysis and typically leads to fatal respiratory failure within three to five years, though some people survive longer.  Understanding these facts is the first step toward spreading crucial awareness.

What are the stages of ALS

  • Stages 1-2: Usually mild weakness and/or stiffness in one part of the body (hands, feet, or speech muscles), often leading to minor mobility or fine motor skill issues.
  • Middle Stage (Stages 3-4): Symptoms spread to other muscles, causing significant mobility issues (needing braces or wheelchairs), increased muscle atrophy, and difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or speaking.
  • Late/End Stage (Stages 5-7): Near-total paralysis of voluntary muscles. Patients experience severe breathing difficulties (respiratory failure) and require full-time assistance with all bodily functions, often needing feeding tubes and non-invasive ventilation.

Symptoms of ALS

Please keep in mind that not all people experience the same symptoms or progression with ALS.

Early signs and symptoms of ALS may include:

  1. Walking or doing normal daily activities.
  2. Tripping, falling, and dropping things.
  3. Abnormal weakness or tiredness in your arms, legs, feet, or ankles
  4. Hand weakness or clumsiness
  5. Slurred speech or trouble swallowing
  6. Muscle cramps and twitches in your arms, shoulders, and tongue
  7. Difficulty holding your head up or keeping good posture.

Email

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