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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
This 3 page paper is an informative essay on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Bibliography lists 1 source.
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3 pages (~225 words per page)
File: D0_HVabtals.rtf
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group of disorders called "motor neuron diseases, which are characterized by the gradual degeneration and death of motor neurons" (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, 2008). Motor neurons are "nerve cells located in
the brain, brainstem, and spinal cord that serve as controlling units and vital communication links between the nervous system and the voluntary muscles of the body" (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, 2008).
In a healthy person, messages are carried from the brain to the muscles by motor neurons, but in the person with ALS, this ability is lost (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, 2008).
Once the messages can no longer reach the muscles they weaken, atrophy and "twitch (fasciculatons)" (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, 2008). Eventually, the brain can no longer control voluntary movement (Amyotrophic lateral
sclerosis, 2008). Probably the most striking symptom of ALS is the way it affects the muscles, so that eventually the person with the condition no longer has control of
voluntary movement, meaning that the patient loses the strength and ability to move their legs, arms and body (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, 2008). When the diaphragm and other muscles in the
chest fail, "patients lose the ability to breathe without ventilatory support. Most people with ALS die from respiratory failure, usually within 3 to 5 years from the onset of symptoms"
(Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, 2008). However a small percentage of victims, perhaps 10%, live for ten years or longer after diagnosis (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, 2008). ALS doesnt often impair ones "mind
or intelligence," but recent studies suggest that ALS patients may have "alterations in cognitive functions such as depression and problems with decision-making and memory" (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, 2008). ALS has
no effect on a patients sight, taste, sense of smell, hearing or the ability to recognize a touch (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, 2008). Patients will also usually "maintain control of eye
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