Als update: Signs of progress, easons for hope

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) was first described 134 years ago. While still incurable, significant progress has been made in understanding the pathophysiology of the disease and its management. For example, it is now clear that ALS is not a single disease; there are familial and sporadic subtypes. ALS is not specific for motor neurons; other cell types are involved and in fact may be critical in determining disease progression. A number of options now exist for managing the troublesome symptoms of ALS, and we have a pipeline of potential ALS therapeutics, which is larger and more varied than ever before. Finally, we are on the cusp of a diagnostic test for ALS that will allow us to get these therapies to patients more quickly. © 2009, American Academy of Neurology.

Duke Scholars

Author Richard Stanley Bedlack Neurology, Neuromuscular Disease