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Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
( ALS )
What is ALS?
ALS is a progressive brainn disease that attacs the nerve cells (neurons) that control voluntary muscles. This disease leads to the gradual degeneration and death of motor neurons, the nerve cells located in the brain, brainstem and spinal cord.
Signs and symptoms
*Nasal speech quiality ( talking out of your nose) *Difficulty pronouncing words due to weak tight or stiff speech muscles (dyssarthria)*Difficulty with lengthy sentences or conversations
Effect on the Brain
Certain cognitive portions of the brain are affected, also Motor neurons controlling voluntary movements are destroyed
Prognosis
29% of the patients diagnoses with ALS survived for more than 5 years and 16% for more than 10 years