ALS Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Description

ALS - or Lou Gehrig's disease, as it is popularly known - is a degenerative disease of motor neurons, characterised by weakness and atrophy of hand and arm muscles, spreading throughout the body and face. The disease usually begins in middle age and progresses rapidly; it is invariably fatal within two to five years. Approximately one or two cases per 100,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with the condition every year.

The indicators of the onset of ALS may include muscle stiffness or weakness of the limbs and trunk, progressing to wasting and paralysis. Commonly, symptoms are likely to include tripping, loss of limb control, slurred speech and uncontrollable periods of laughter or tears. Vital functions are also affected in the areas of chewing, swallowing, respiration and speech.

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Herbs

Ginkgo biloba (1)

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Nutritional Supplements

Fish Oil
Phosphatidylserine
Selenium (3)
Vitamin A
Vitamin C (2)

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References

1. Koltringer P, et al: Ginkgo biloba extract and Folic Acid in the therapy of changes caused by autonomic neuropathy, Acta Med Austriaca, 16(2), 1989, p 35-37
2. Kok AB: Ascorbate availability and neurodegeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Med-Hypotheses, 1997, 48(4), 281-96
3. Apostolski S, et al: Glutathione peroxidase in amytrophic lateral sclerosis - the effects of Selenium supplementation, J-Environ-Pathol-Toxicol-Oncol, 1998, 17(3-4), p 325-9