How many stages of ALS are there?

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also called Lou Gehrig's disease, can be broadly divided into four stages: an early stage in which symptoms first appear, a middle stage where symptoms worsen and mobility becomes substantially impaired, a late stage characterized by near-total paralysis, and an end stage that leads to death.

How quickly does ALS progress?

The speed at which amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) progresses can vary a lot from person to person, but typically the disease progresses quite rapidly. Most patients reach the late stage of ALS within two to three years after symptom onset, and the average survival time is about two to five years from onset.

Can treatment slow ALS disease progression?

Although there is no cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), there are several approved therapies that can slow disease progression, helping patients to maintain functionality for longer and prolonging survival. Patients and their healthcare team should establish a treatment plan to slow progression and help with symptoms early in the disease course.

What are the early signs of ALS?

The earliest signs of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) vary from patient to patient, and depend on the region of the body that is first affected. For the vast majority of patients, in which limbs are first affected, early symptoms include difficulty grabbing objects or writing, and trouble with walking and balance. When the first muscles affected are located around the mouth and throat, initial symptoms include problems speaking or swallowing .

How long does the end stage of ALS last?

The final stages of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), in which patients are fully paralyzed, typically last just a few months. However, the disease course will largely depend on the exact type of ALS and disease-associated mutations a person has, as well as on the kind of medical treatments and supportive therapies that are given.

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ALS stages and progression timeline

There can be a lot of variation in the order in which ALS symptoms appear and how quickly the disease progresses. However, as ALS advances, patients go through several stages of progression.

Perspective: What I learned in 13 years of ALS caregiving

In the 13 years since her husband, Todd, was diagnosed with ALS, Kristin Neva has learned a few things as his primary caregiver. Every journey is different, she says, but support and help are crucial, as is finding ways to recharge.

May 26, 2023 by Bionews Staff

Thanks to ALS, our family is raising kind and compassionate children

Mary Alice with her husband, Holt. (Photo courtesy of Mary Alice Poling) This is Mary Alice Poling’s story: My name is Mary Alice Poling and my son, Seth, who is 37 years old, has ALS. He has been living with ALS for nine years. If I’m truthful,…

May 26, 2023 News by Lindsey Shapiro, PhD

Locanabio’s investigational therapy shows promise for C9ORF72-associated ALS

Locanabio‘s investigational therapy significantly reduced the buildup of toxic RNA molecules in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patient cells and mouse models associated with C9ORF72 mutations, according to new data. These RNA products — intermediate molecules that are produced from DNA as a template for protein production — are…

ALS support: Assistive equipment and adaptations

Assistive equipment and adaptive devices for people with ALS can help make life more manageable and comfortable. These include aids for eating and drinking, getting dressed, bathing, using the toilet, grooming, and for recreation and mobility.

ALS and mental health

Navigating life with ALS has an impact not only on physical well-being but the mental health of both patients and caregivers. Therapy, medications, and emotional support groups and forums, among other strategies, can help ease the symptoms of depression or anxiety.

May 25, 2023 Columns by Kristin Neva

The ways music has comforted us while living with ALS

A friend who visited Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, for a serious health issue posted a video on social media of a string quartet playing in the towering glass atrium of the Gonda Building there. It brought back memories of when my husband, Todd, and I went to Mayo for…

You are not alone: Words of wisdom from the ALS community

It's easy to feel isolated when dealing with a chronic disease like ALS, but help and support is available. For those who may need a little extra guidance or reassurance, we’ve compiled a variety of tips and advice from our ALS community that you may find useful.

May 25, 2023 News by Mary Chapman

PatientsLikeMe ALS contribution expands free PRO-ACT database

The data platform PatientsLikeMe (PLM) has made its de-identified amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patient database available to scientists around the world to advance clinical research in the neurodegenerative disorder. Part of a collaboration between PLM and the Neurological Clinical Research Institute (NCRI) at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), the…

May 25, 2023 by Bionews Staff

As an ALS caregiver, I learned the true meaning of strength

Britley Wells and Brian Jeansonne. (Photo courtesy of Britley Wells) This is Britley Wells’ story: Hi there! My name is Britley Wells, and I am a trauma intensive care registered nurse at University Medical Center New Orleans. In early January, I had the privilege of meeting the…