Advocacy groups for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) patients are urging the classification of ALS as a rare disease. ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a neurodegenerative disorder that impacts motor neurons in the brain and spine, controlling voluntary functions like movement.
As these neurons degenerate, muscle atrophy occurs, leading to mobility loss. ALS affects both upper and lower motor neurons, disrupting signals between them and muscles, causing progressive deterioration. Diagnosis, often after 8 to 15 months of symptoms, lacks an effective cure. Support is sought to acknowledge ALS as a rare disease, emphasizing the need for research and resources.
Key Terms for UPSC Prelims
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): A neurodegenerative disorder affecting motor neurons, leading to muscle atrophy and mobility loss. Also referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
- Motor Neurons: Nerve cells responsible for transmitting signals from the brain and spinal cord to muscles, controlling voluntary movements.
- Muscle Atrophy: The process of muscle wasting due to the loss of motor neuron function, leading to weakness and decreased muscle mass.
- Lou Gehrig’s Disease: An alternate name for ALS, named after the famous baseball player Lou Gehrig, who was diagnosed with the disease.
- Upper Motor Neurons and Lower Motor Neurons: The two types of motor neurons in the nervous system. Upper motor neurons send signals to lower motor neurons, which then convey messages to muscles for movement.
