Abstracts » Health

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Article Abstract:

There is still no cure or effective treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, usually called ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease. However, genetic analysis of hereditary cases has discovered a gene mutation that can cause nerve cells to die.

Research

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Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and autoimmunity

Article Abstract:

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig disease, is a degenerative disease of the nervous system and is usually fatal. Why the nerve cells just wither and die is not understood, but recent studies suggest autoimmunity may play a role. Autopsies of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis have revealed lymphocytes and immunoglobulin deposits, both indicating immunological activity, around nerve cells. Another study found antibodies to L-type calcium channels in 38 out of 48 patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The antibodies interfere with proper regulation of calcium channels, which are essential to nerve function. The worse the case of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in these patients, the more antibodies were observed, further suggesting that the antibodies factor in the disease. Additional research is needed to answer questions such as why patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis do not respond to immunosuppression treatment.

Physiological aspects

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Assisted suicide and alternatives in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Article Abstract:

A majority of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) would consider assisted suicide if the option was available. ALS causes progressive paralysis, breathing failure, and death, and there is no effective treatment. Some patients opt for a respirator to sustain their lives when they can no longer breathe. About 11% of ALS patients are depressed, and those who would end their lives early have higher degrees of hopelessness. In the absence of effective treatment, ALS patients need to have access to pain control, comfort care, and autonomy at the end of life.

Psychological aspects, Assisted suicide, Beliefs, opinions and attitudes, Paralytics

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