Alsrough

Kirstin Lemm
Rausch
Chemistry, Period 3
30 April, 2014
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: What is it?
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrigs Disease) is a disease that takes
place in the nerve cells of the brain and spinal cord. These nerve cells control voluntary muscle
movements. It is estimated that about 5,600 people per year are diagnosed with ALS, and many
dont live further than two to five years and ten years (or more) if the patient is lucky (Quick
Facts about ALS). ALS has been around since the late 1860s and still has some marveling about
what exactly this disease is (Kids Health). Much research has been accomplished about what
exactly Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is and how it affects those it takes control over. After
being founded, scientist have studied what exactly causes ALS and how they could possibly stop
the fatal disease from advancing any further.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis was first written about in the late 1860s by a French
doctor, but was first identified in 1874 (ALS Report). It was difficult for scientists and doctors
to understand what exactly ALS was and how it was caused. It has been estimated that roughly
90% of all ALS cases appear to occur at random, and many studies have shown that it is more
common for men to gain the disease rather than women (ALS Report). The reasoning of how
ALS came to be is not full-proof, for there are many different theories because there is little
conclusive data on the causes, contributing factors, or possible cure of ALS (ALS Report).
There have been more cases of ALS in parts of Guam and Japan where there has been
discoveries of a series of mutations in Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase-1 and scientists are

working on understanding why this is. Other possible suspects in causing such a disease is
glutamate excitotoxicity and a wide range of more recent research findings have provided
clues, but so far no major breakthroughs (ALS Report).
Scientist have found that ALS can be caused from the breakdown of cellular recycling
systems in the neurons of the spinal cord and brain, this causes the nervous system to begin
lacking what it needs to transport the needed signals of a muscles movement to the brain
(Chicago Tribune). And with this lack of signals traveling through the muscular system, the body
will lose its ability to move in any way, including the abilities to move, talk, swallow, and
breathe (Chicago Tribune). It is known to attack the nerve cells and pathways in the brain and
spinal cord which causes many of the cells within to die. This then causes voluntary muscle
control and movement with them, voluntary muscle movements are those that the brain does not
automatically do (Quick Facts about ALS). Unfortunately, once these cells die out they cannot
return. Those that die of ALS depend on the rate of which the disease progresses. Few of the
diagnostic cases gain the disease through genes, while others obtain it from a chemical
imbalance, disorganized immune response, and/or protein mishandling (Mayo Clinic).
Scientists believe that since ALS moves from cell to cell, the disease could be blocked,
but because of the difficulty finding the exact answer as to what causes this fatal disease it is
hard to determine if it can ever be stopped completely (Science Daily). They also think they
might be able to find the molecular explanation of ALS because of a misfolded non-mutant
SOD1 can be transmitted from region to region in the nervous system (Science Daily). The
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences also believes to have found that antibodies
might be able to block the spread of the disease. Antibodies might be able to by binding the
regions of SOD1 exposed when it is misfolded (Science Daily). Binding the misfolded nonmutantSOD1, the possible cause of ALS, will block the disease from spreading into any other
cells (Science Daily). The work scientists have completed so far are adding to prior discoveries
about the disease.
In conclusion, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a fatal disease that has not yet been
completely discovered, but placed in theory. There are many discoveries to still be made and
answers to be given. But scientists are continually trying to find ways to block ALS from
jumping cell to cell in hope lower the rate of people that get diagnosed with the disease, which is
currently sitting at approximately 140,000 people each year (International Alliance). Scientist are
also trying to find antibodies that could reduce the rate that nerve cells in the brain and spinal
cord are attacked. ALS continually give scientists and doctors something to learn more about and
discover answers, along with those that are affected by Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

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Kirstin Lemm

discoveries of a series of mutations in Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase-1 and scientists are

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