Autoimmune diseases occur when our immune system attacks parts of the body such as tissues, skin and joints, believing it is attacking foreign invaders. Thus, the distracted immune system results in the body’s inability to fight actual invaders, making it more prone to infections. This condition is the lead cause of some commonly known diseases such as Type 1 diabetes, Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Motor Neuron diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis. Another type of Motor Neuron disease is the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis disease (also referred to as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease). This disease is not as commonly known or discussed in Nigeria as there are very few cases reported. Hence, Q-Life has chosen to raise awareness on ALS as it is the disease that took the life of our dear Founder and Medical Director, Late Dr. Augusta Olufunmilayo Alakija.
ALS is a rare motor neuron disease that affects the neurological build-up of the body. It causes a gradual deterioration and depletion of the motor neurons, which are nerve cells that connect the brain, the spinal cord and muscles together in the body. Motor neurons are vital for communication between the brain and voluntary muscles. When there is a gap in this communication, daily activities such as walking, talking, chewing/swallowing, and even breathing are virtually impossible to do.
Symptoms of ALS
ALS can happen to anyone at any age but is more prevalent in males between the ages of 55 and 75 that are of Caucasian and non-Hispanic heritage. Some of the symptoms include:
- Muscle spasms/fasciculations in the arms, legs, shoulder and/or tongue
- Tight and stiff muscles
- Difficulty chewing and/or swallowing
- Excessive weight loss
- Muscle cramps
- Weakened muscles that affect the arms, legs, neck and diaphragm
- Slurred and nasal speech
Causes and Prevention
Unfortunately, like most autoimmune diseases, no cure has been discovered for ALS. Persons suffering from the disease are given between 2 to 10 years (or more) to live. As it is sporadic and occurs mainly as a result of genetics and environmental factors beyond our control, researchers have found very few preventive measures that can increase the lifespan of the patients. Hence, the more research done, and awareness raised (like the 2014 Ice bucket challenge), the more we can do to help individuals and their families that suffer from this disease.
For more information about ALS and other Motor Neuron/Autoimmune diseases, please speak to your doctor and find ways to support medical research being done to find a cure for these diseases.