Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Directions

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that causes a progressive loss of motor neurons which controls voluntary muscles. It is a common motor neuron disease, which has symptoms like stiff muscles, muscle twitches, gradually growing weakness and muscle wasting. ALS leads to paralysis and early death, due to respiratory failure. There is no known cause and currently no treatment for ALS. However, life expectancy can be increased by two to three months by using a medication named riluzole. Other medication are in early stages of ALS, which protects the motor neurons from oxidative stress. Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) may increase both the quality and the duration of life. NIV supports breathing by using a face or nasal mask, connected to a ventilator that produces intermittent positive pressure. Preventing weight loss and malnutrition increases the chance of survival and quality of life in ALS patients. This book provides comprehensive insights on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Its extensive content provides the readers with a thorough understanding of the subject.