Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Stem Cell Research
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a neuromuscular disease caused by the degeneration of the motor neurons in the cerebral motor cortex as well as those in the brain stem and spinal cord (Miller, Gelinas, & O’Connor, 2004). Motor neurons are nerve cells responsible for voluntary movement such as walking, talking, swallowing, and breathing. When the upper motor neurons located in the cerebral motor cortex begin to degenerate their connection to the lower motor neurons is disrupted. This causes the muscles to weaken and spasm. The lower motor neuron degeneration disrupts nerve contact with the muscles and leads to deterioration or muscle atrophy. Early symptoms of ALS include trouble breathing, muscle weakness, and muscles spasms. Eventually a person affected by ALS will be unable to use their arms or legs, speak or swallow. When the…show more content…
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