Fact vs Fiction: Myths Related to ALS

 Every year, approximately 5000 people are diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). It is a neurodegenerative condition that gradually causes the muscles of the body to become paralyzed. Understanding exactly how ALS works is key to obtaining the best Motor Neuron Disease treatment. Many individuals, however, are misguided by misconceptions about the condition. Here, we address some of the common myths around ALS and leave you only with the facts.

Understanding ALS

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is part of a category of conditions known as Motor Neuron Diseases. Motor Neuron Diseases are a group of neurodegenerative disorders that selectively affect motor neurons, the cells which control all the voluntary muscles of the body. The voluntary muscles are responsible for performing movements under one’s will and thus, Motor Neuron Diseases affect one’s ability to perform voluntary movements.

Common myths about ALS

ALS is a disease of the muscles

While the symptoms of ALS manifest in muscle weakness and eventual paralysis, the underlying cause lies in damage to the nerve cells controlling the muscles.

ALS is solely a hereditary condition

While having an immediate family member with ALS does increase one’s likelihood of getting the disease, in reality about 90% of diagnosed ALS cases have no known cause. Research continues about the exact causes and risk factors for ALS, with many positing that a mix of genetic and environmental factors can be held responsible.

ALS is caused by Lyme disease

Some of the early symptoms of ALS such as muscle twitches and fatigue resemble the symptoms of the infectious Lyme disease. However, the latter is caused by a tick bite and can easily be cured with antibiotics, while there are no exact causes and no cure currently known for ALS.

ALS only affects motor abilities

Even physicians often assume that ALS is only a disease of the body, with the patient’s mental faculties remaining unimpaired. New studies, however, indicate that up to 30% of ALS patients develop some mild cognitive impairments, with 5 to 10 percent developing more severe dementia. Frontotemporal degeneration is a rare type of ALS in which the patient experiences changes in personality and behavior. 

Another neurological effect of ALS is the pseudobulbar effect, which causes a patient to laugh or cry at inappropriate times owing to a loss of the ability to suppress emotion. 

ALS follows a set pattern of progression

Many believe that ALS always begins with weakness in the legs and arms, followed by speech and swallowing impairments. However, there is no one way in which ALS manifests. Different people experience different initial symptoms at different ages.

ALS is caused by sports

There is some research, although not sufficiently proven, that athletes are at higher risk of developing ALS. This is due to the frequent trauma caused to their nervous systems while performing arduous activities. However, there is no conclusive link between exercise and increased risk for ALS. In fact, research consistently shows that careful exercise, particularly strength training, can manage the symptoms and even slow the progression of the disease.

ALS takes away the ability to feel pain

Many are under the misapprehension that the muscle paralysis brought on by ALS means that patients lose the ability to feel pain. In reality, ALS only affects the nerves that control voluntary muscle movements. Nerves that control sensations like heat, cold, or pain remain unaffected.

ALS only affects older people

This myth stems from the observation that older people are typically the ones affected by degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s. However, the median age for diagnosis is only 54. In fact, Lou Gehrig, the New York Yankees’ first baseman after whom the condition is named, was diagnosed in his mid-30s and passed away when he was only 38. 

Getting an ALS diagnosis is a challenging experience for both the patient and their loved ones, and it is essential to avail the best Motor Neuron Disease treatment as soon as possible. A big part of this is educating oneself about what ALS looks like rather than believing myths. This way, one can work with the physician and benefit from the optimal combination of Stem Cell Therapy, Physiotherapy, Speech Therapy, and Occupational Therapy to enjoy the most independent and fulfilling life possible.