Home » These are the 3 signs that we must not underestimate to understand if we are at risk of ALS

These are the 3 signs that we must not underestimate to understand if we are at risk of ALS

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ALS, or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, is one of the most terrible diseases that exist. According to official data from the European Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Consortium, in February 2020 there were about 6 thousand active cases in Italy. A number destined to grow by about 2 thousand units per year, according to the forecasts of EURALS itself. There is currently no definitive cure and the causes of the disease are unclear. Many studies have hypothesized environmental factors, other genetic predispositions and still other unhealthy lifestyles. The only weapons we have at our disposal are prevention and early diagnosis. And these are the 3 signs that we must not underestimate to understand if we are at risk of ALS. We often tend to underestimate them because we can confuse them with other very common symptoms. But if they continue over time or worsen, we must immediately contact the attending physician. It will be he who will show us the most correct analysis path.

These are the 3 signs that we must not underestimate to understand if we are at risk of ALS

ALS is a disease that affects motor neurons, the cells that regulate the contraction capacity of voluntary muscles. It is a neurodegenerative disease and its progression varies from person to person. In some cases the neurons “die” slowly and those with ALS can live for years. In others, progress is much faster and in a few months patients lose almost all motor skills.

The tragedy of this disease is that the patient is perfectly aware of what is happening. Sensory functions remain unaffected, as well as sexual drives and emotional stimuli.

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ALS causes gradual paralysis of the voluntary muscles. In some cases the first sign is a change in the tone of the voice. If we notice this change and we do not have inflammation of the respiratory tract we should see the doctor.

The second sign is recurring cramps. Usually in the lower limbs.

Also pay attention to the sense of weakness in the legs. If it is persistent and is not caused by effort or long walks it could be a wake-up call not to be underestimated.

Treatments and prevention

Unfortunately, there are currently no effective medicines to completely stop ALS. The only approved are riluzole and edaravone and both can only slow down the progress of the disease.

The only weapon we have at our disposal is to adopt healthier lifestyle habits that are able to protect the general health of the organism. We adopt a diet rich in antioxidants like the Mediterranean one, we avoid smoking and stay away from metals such as lead and other toxic substances. We could reduce the risks of contracting ALS and other very serious diseases.

Deepening

Beware of this strange symptom at age 60 may be the first sign of dementia

(We remind you to carefully read the warnings regarding this article, which can be consulted WHO”)

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