Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease, ALS and motor neuron disease. Many die just a few months after the diagnosis. The chance of surviving more than a decade is only ten percent. Some medical experts believe Hawking’s long life can be attributed to the development of his disease at an early stage in life. There is no medical evidence to back this theory besides that a younger body can cope with disease better. The average age to be diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease is between forty and seventy.

The youth theory was considered by British neurologists in the British Medical Journal. They found younger patients survive the disease better and for a longer period of time. The journal stated the chances of an individual in their fifties or sixties surviving for approximately four years to be fifty percent. The odds increase, the younger the patient is, though there is no known reason behind this. The older the individual, the faster the progression of the disease. For now, there is only speculation as to why some survive longer than others.

Stephen Hawking was a cosmologist, a theoretical physicist and authored A Brief History of Time. In 1974, he discovered the black hole thermal radiation. He is considered as one of the most important physicist of the century. Professor Hawking was completely paralyzed due to a motor neuron disease. On March 6th, 2017, he delivered a keynote speech and received London’s Honorary Freedom of the City. This is the highest award recognition bestowed by the city of London, presented for his outstanding contributions to cosmology and theoretical physics.

The lifetime of an individual diagnosed with a motor neuron disease can be extended with quality care. This includes assistance with eating and breathing. According to the British Medical Journal, Hawking received nursing care 24 hours a day. The expenses were covered by grants. Stephen Hawking led a unique life and was an inspiration for everyone associated with the disease. He showed how despite the disease, he rose to professional success and had a loving family. His wife Jane was there to provide all the necessary help; he also had his children whose help he was grateful for, as well as many other individuals and organizations in his life. He believes it was sheer luck that his condition progressed as slowly as it did. This was a powerful statement to show that nobody should ever lose hope.

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ALS is a mysterious condition that has kept researchers guessing its possible causes. Although genetic components have been identified to be major factors in its development, there is still much to learn about the disease.

What is ALS?

In the course of ALS, motor nerve cells of the body slowly die. This prevents the brain from directing any muscle control, thereby paralyzing the body.

ALS can be difficult for those it affects and their family members. As the disease progresses, increased loss of function must be dealt with to prolong the life of the person.

Searching for the Cause

Researchers have so far established no clear cause for the disease. The majority of cases show no contributing factor, even when a family member has been affected.

But in a small percentage of ALS cases, a genetic connection has been observed. It was shown that a single defect in genetics could contribute to its development in patients.

Genetic mutations have been found in approximately 20% of family incidence of ALS. Although other factors such as head trauma and service in the military has been suggested as contributing factors, no scientific evidence has supported these claims.

Recent research has investigated the environmental factors that might contribute to ALS. Once the mutated gene was discovered in ALS cases, scientists pushed even harder to uncover additional contributors to the disease.

Exposure to heavy metals such as lead and mercury has shown a positive association with ALS. However, these results have not been consistent in scientific studies. Dietary factors that relate to trace minerals have also been considered, but ultimately fail to show any real support.

The idea of a viral cause for ALS has also been proposed. Much like the polio virus infects motor nerve cells leading to weakness, researchers have wondered if the same might be true for ALS. Findings have so far not been able to confirm a viral link in ALS.

Prevention

As a result of having no known cause, prevention of ALS cannot be established. For those who suffer from the disease, drugs such as Riluzole have been able to increase the lifespan in many patients.

Currently, new treatments are being researched for possible use. In addition, certain muscle relaxers and painkillers have been helpful in reducing muscle spasms and pain in ALS patients.

ALS has given researchers one of their biggest challenges in healthcare. Although come genetic foundation for its cause has been observed, there is still that hasn’t been uncovered about the disease. With time, studies should begin to provide more evidence, and one day patients may find the relief they’re looking for.

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