Motor neuron disease, also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a disease affecting the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. This disease most often occurs in people between the age of 40 and 70. According to the ALS association, military veterans are twice as likely to be diagnosed with ALS. The reason for this is unknown. Currently there is no treatment that can halt or reverse the effects of the disease. The only medication for treatment can extend life by a few months at best.
Discovery. ALS was first discovered by a French neurologist in 1869. The condition did not become well known until 1939, when Lou Gehrig was diagnosed with the disease. There have been several other well-known people to encounter the illness. Stephen Hawking …show more content…
As mentioned before, there is currently no cure for ALS. There is ongoing research to find treatment. Isis pharmaceuticals have begun testing for a treatment that specifically targets a gene associated with ALS. The idea is to prevent the body from producing proteins that lead to the degrading of nerves caused by the disease. The gene being targeted is one that is responsible for familial passing of ALS.
Support. The ALS association has a website with information and support for anyone interested, or suffering from the disease. People like Stephen Hawking have become avid supporters for ALS research. Recently, the ice bucket challenge had been created to raise awareness for the condition. The idea was to experience what it feels like during the earlier stages of the disease.
What I found most interesting. The case of Stephen Hawking was the most fascinating aspect of this disease. The movie that covers his life is an emotional journey that really makes you feel the battle that someone would go through. As far as I know, he is also the longest living person to be diagnosed with ALS. Then, despite his horrible condition, he went on to be one of the most influential people in the scientific community of the modern
Discovery. ALS was first discovered by a French neurologist in 1869. The condition did not become well known until 1939, when Lou Gehrig was diagnosed with the disease. There have been several other well-known people to encounter the illness. Stephen Hawking …show more content…
As mentioned before, there is currently no cure for ALS. There is ongoing research to find treatment. Isis pharmaceuticals have begun testing for a treatment that specifically targets a gene associated with ALS. The idea is to prevent the body from producing proteins that lead to the degrading of nerves caused by the disease. The gene being targeted is one that is responsible for familial passing of ALS.
Support. The ALS association has a website with information and support for anyone interested, or suffering from the disease. People like Stephen Hawking have become avid supporters for ALS research. Recently, the ice bucket challenge had been created to raise awareness for the condition. The idea was to experience what it feels like during the earlier stages of the disease.
What I found most interesting. The case of Stephen Hawking was the most fascinating aspect of this disease. The movie that covers his life is an emotional journey that really makes you feel the battle that someone would go through. As far as I know, he is also the longest living person to be diagnosed with ALS. Then, despite his horrible condition, he went on to be one of the most influential people in the scientific community of the modern