Progressive Diseases

There are many types of progressive diseases that do not currently have a known cure. These can be devastating to the patient, family members, friends, and everyone they come in contact with. Three of the most well-known progressive diseases are Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson's disease, and Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease, is a neurological disease that causes nerves to decompose and cause disability. The beginning signs of ALS are often muscle twitching or slurred speech, and it eventually affects to ability to move, speak, eat, and breathe. Most patients with ALS end up in a wheelchair, and are often on ventilation to help with breathing. This disease, however, does not usually affect thinking ability or senses in the patient, which can cause even more emotional and social consequences.
Because of the many symptoms and complications that may occur with ALS, there are many options for treatment, although no cure is available at this time. Medications are available, including a drug that may slow ALS's progression, but can have many side effects such as dizziness, gastrointestinal complications, and liver function changes. Many other medications are available to …show more content…
Parkinson's advances gradually and may only start with a small tremor. Like ALS, there is no current cure for Parkinson's disease, but there are many medications that may decrease the symptoms. Some of these symptoms that patients may face are: slowed movement (bradykinesia), muscle stiffness, impaired posture or balance, loss of automatic movements (such as swinging arms while walking, blinking, smiling, etc.), and difficulty in writing because of the tremor. Along with these symptoms, many of those with Parkinson's disease suffer from complications such as dementia, depression, swallowing difficulties, sleep disorders, bladder problems, blood pressure changes, fatigue, pain, and