Lou Gehrig's disease, also called Charcot's disease (especially in Europe) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), is a lethal neurodegenerative disease that affects both central and peripheral motor neurons in the central nervous system. It is called Lou Gehrig's disease due to the fact that the famous American baseball player Henry Louis "Lou" Gehrig died of this disease. While the cause is not yet fully understood, there are a few things you can do to prevent this disease, starting with step 1 below.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Lifestyle Changes
Step 1. Eat fruits and vegetables that contain high levels of antioxidants
According to recent studies, having high levels of antioxidants in the body could decrease the risk of ALS. Either way, this advice applies to anyone.
- Include fruits such as blueberries, cranberries, raspberries, strawberries, apples, grapes, raisins, plums, peaches, cherries, and vegetables such as spinach, tomatoes, Brussels sprouts, onions and eggplant in your diet.
- The view that antioxidants help prevent ALS stems from the fact that they neutralize toxic free radicals within tissues, including superoxide oxygen radicals.
Step 2. Keep your blood pressure within normal range
It has been observed that many ALS patients have very high blood pressure values. It has not yet been shown how an increase in blood pressure can lead to ALS, but ongoing studies are trying to find out.
Exercise and diet are the first strategies to be implemented to lower blood pressure. A diet of fruits and vegetables, lean meats and low-fat dairy products, coupled with an active lifestyle can make it a substitute for medications to regulate blood pressure
Step 3. Avoid engaging in contact sports that can lead to head injuries
Among these sports we point out football, boxing and wrestling. People with more than one head injury have been shown to be more likely to develop ALS than the population who have had no previous head injuries.
Recent research has led to the conclusion that repeated head injuries also cause dementia, depression, dizziness and suicide attempts. In addition to the increased risk of ALS, there are many reasons to avoid head injuries
Step 4. Stop smoking
Smokers have been shown to have a two times higher risk of developing ALS than non-smokers. Nicotine, the active ingredient found in cigarettes and tobacco, increases blood pressure; Although the correlation has not yet been understood, many ALS patients suffer from high blood pressure.
- Nicotine is a substance that also increases the release of glutamate, which is why it is addictive. If you smoke, quitting gradually will allow you to both avoid withdrawal symptoms and have a longer life expectancy.
- If you don't smoke, try to avoid secondhand smoke as well. Even if you're not the one who smokes, even being around people who are smoking can have harmful effects.
Step 5. Avoid exposure to formaldehyde
Scientists have shown that individuals who have been exposed to formaldehyde for a long time (such as funeral home workers, pathologists, medical examiners, pharmacists and others) are at greater risk of developing ALS than the general population.
- If you cannot avoid working with formaldehyde or are indirectly exposed to it in the workplace, you will need to take all necessary precautions, such as wearing a face mask that can block the vapors and wearing gloves to protect your hands.
- The mechanism associated with this correlation is that formaldehyde can lead to a decrease in superoxide dismutase activity, causing toxic levels of superoxide radicals that can affect nerve cells.
Step 6. Avoid prolonged exposure to lead
Lead exposure for occupational reasons has been associated with an increased risk of ALS; people who have been exposed to lead for long periods of time have lead deposits in their tissues (especially in the bones, teeth, brain, kidneys).
- Studies have linked the influx of lead depot from bone to blood with severe worsening of ALS symptoms.
- If you suspect that you are exposed to lead on a daily basis, do not hesitate to speak to your doctor; such exposure can cause serious complications.
Step 7. Request a complete check-up every year
You should always keep in mind that prevention is always better than cure. Whether you are dealing with Lou Gehrig's disease, a common cold, or even if it has been a long time since your last medical check-up, it is recommended that a doctor periodically review your health.
Part 2 of 3: Understanding the Causes and Symptoms
Step 1. Remember that the specific cause has not yet been identified
There have been numerous attempts to trace the cause of this disease. However, the exact cause of ALS has not yet been clearly identified. However, here are some things to keep in mind:
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Cases of familiarity have been reported, and about 10% of all patients suffering from ALS have family members who suffer from it.
Of these patients, about 15% have a mutation on chromosome 21, involving copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (SOD). SOD is an important enzyme present in our body, and is responsible for neutralizing free radicals, which are capable of causing serious damage to our cells, especially neurons, since the latter's ability to repair is limited
- The hypothesis proposed in the case of these patients is that the genetic mutation alters the activity of the enzyme SOD, with a consequent increase in the reaction times to the formation of free radicals, thus causing neuronal damage.
Step 2. Be aware, however, that 90% of cases are considered "sporadic"
Sporadic ALS accounts for the vast majority of patients, which means that, as far as we know, it arises without warning or for no reason. The mechanisms that damage motor neurons in these patients are poorly understood. However, the hypotheses proposed are the following:
- Free radical oxidative stress. As we mentioned earlier, the SOD enzyme and its mutation, along with other molecules involved in the process of eliminating oxidative stress from free radicals, are widely studied causes.
- Glutamate. Glutamate is the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. The concentration of this substance is very carefully regulated, to avoid its accumulation and the consequent overexcitation of neurons. Glutamate overexcitation of neurons is a mechanism that causes neuronal damage.
- Anomalies of neurofilaments. Neurofilaments are critical to the health and integrity of motor neurons. The abnormal concentration of neurofilaments has been related to the pathogenesis of ALS, since there was evidence of an alteration in transport and allocation, and, consequently, an abnormal accumulation within neurons in ALS patients.
- Immuno-inflammatory mechanisms. Some immune or inflammatory reactions can cause motor neurons to degenerate. Evidence supporting this theory includes a higher incidence of immune system disorders in ALS patients, and the presence of CD4 and CD8 cells in degenerate neurons in the spinal cord.
Step 3. Learn about the symptoms of Lou Gehrig's disease
The main symptoms that can arise as a consequence of this pathology are:
- Muscle cramps or twitches
- Presence of exaggerated reflexes (Hyperreflexia)
- Sudden weakness in the limbs
- Muscle atrophy
- Problems with swallowing
- Difficulty articulating words
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Integrity of sensory functions
In these patients, the integrity of sensory functions is not compromised in any way, so they are able to perceive everything, but not respond adequately to stimuli
Step 4. Know what this disease affects
As the disease progresses, nerves and muscles are attacked and become unable to function over time. There are two typical pathological features of the disease:
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1) ALS affects both lower and upper motor neurons. The lower motor neurons are found in the spinal cord, and are responsible for sending movement signals to the muscles. On the other hand, the upper motor neurons transmit information from the brain to the spinal cord, and subsequently to the lower motor neurons.
It is important to know this type of degeneration, which affects both lower and upper motor neurons, because Lou Gehrig's disease is one of the most common forms of neurodegeneration that affects the motor system, and this is the unique feature that distinguishes it from other diseases. neurodegenerative
- 2) However, the sensory and cognitive functions almost always remain intact. This is a notable feature of the disease, from which it is clearly understood that it selectively affects neuronal cells. This means that although the muscles do not receive the signals, the ability to acquire information and perceive the surrounding world remains unaffected.
Part 3 of 3: Living with Lou Gehrig's Disease
Step 1. See your doctor for a correct diagnosis
The diagnosis of Lou Gehrig's disease is made by observing both the symptoms and the laboratory tests. The doctor will monitor the following:
- Symptoms related to upper motor neurons: Hyperreflexia, lack of coordination, jaw twitching, stimulation of the muzzle reflex and positive response to Babinski's sign.
- Symptoms related to the lower motor neurons: muscle atrophy, spontaneous muscle contractions, the so-called "fasciculations"
- Other symptoms: dysarthria (difficulty in articulation), dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing), tendency to drool, atrophic tongue
Step 2. Undergo a series of clinical tests
Anyone suffering from any of the symptoms described should see a neurologist. Your doctor will likely do the following:
- Complete neurological examination. This will indicate if you have a neurological problem.
- CBC (Complete Blood Count) and other blood tests such as measuring calcium and magnesium levels (abnormal calcium levels can also induce muscle weakness while a very low magnesium level can cause tremor or even muscle twitching).
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). With this examination, the neurologist can detect any morphological changes that can affect the structure of the central nervous system.
- EMG (Electromyography). This technique allows the doctor to evaluate the electrical conduction from the nerves to the muscles and can enable the diagnosis of ALS.
Step 3. Be aware that there are no specific therapies to combat ALS
The main goal of currently available therapies is to extend the patient's life while providing adequate supportive therapy.
- One of the rare therapies prescribed for the treatment of ALS is riluzole, which has produced a modest lengthening of life expectancy for ALS sufferers.. The use of this drug is still being studied.
- In reality, the arguments relating to the prevention of the disease are only conjectural. Given that this disease and the mechanisms by which it develops are not understood to a lesser extent, the discussion of how to prevent this disease develops on a purely hypothetical basis.
Step 4. Vitamin E may be considered as a complementary and alternative therapy
As there is no effective therapy for ALS, complementary and alternative medicines are being considered in the case of many patients. The effect of various substances has been studied, and many attempts have been made to verify the presence of a beneficial effect on patients suffering from this disease. One of the most used is vitamin E.
- It is a fat-soluble vitamin whose effect against free radicals is well known. A "blind" clinical study, using placebo, in which riluzole and vitamin E were administered, led to the conclusion that vitamin E does not appear to affect life prospects and motor functions in ALS. However, the progression of symptoms was slightly slower in patients taking these drugs.
- This study does not allow to draw relevant conclusions on the prevention of the disease, but in relation to the development of the disease itself, it allows to conclude that the theory of neuronal damage from oxidative stress rests on solid foundations.
Step 5. Creatine can also be considered
Creatine is a substance that is used by the muscles in situations where a large amount of energy is required. Supplemental intake of creatine by mouth increases its concentration in the muscles and brain, and may protect neuronal degeneration in ALS.
As in the case of vitamin E, a slight improvement in the quality of life in patients with Lou Gehrig's disease has also been shown for this substance, with an increase in muscle strength and a reduction in fatigue, thus reducing the weakness caused. from neuronal degeneration
Step 6. Alternatively, you can ask your doctor about acetylcysteine
This substance also has a powerful effect against free radicals. It is believed that it too could reduce the damage caused by free radicals, as in the case of vitamin E. However, studies do not allow to draw the same positive conclusions as those conducted on vitamin E.
- Clinical studies have established that acetylcysteine had no effect on patients with Lou Gehrig's disease. However, it can reduce the symptoms of pneumonia that often plagues people with ALS.
- Through different mechanisms, it serves as a precursor of glutathione, one of the most important intracellular defense systems against free radicals.
