Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gherig's disease)

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gherig's Disease)         Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a deadly disease of the nervous system. Also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, ALS at this time affects 25,000 people in the U.S. today. One in 50,000 people will be affected in any one year. The average age for diagnosis of ALS is between 30 and 70, although there have been cases of teenagers contracting it.The average life span after diagnosis are three to 10 years, although 20 percent …

…may increase the amino acid called glycine, which might neutralize glutamate found in ALS patients.         ALS and Muscular Dystrophy are commonly confused due to their similar symptoms. The main difference is that ALS affects the nervous system, whereas Muscular dystrophy affects the muscle.          Sources         "ALS." Internet site. Post date: June 1995.         Hopkins, Harold. "Amyotrophic Latral Sclerosis." CD-ROM: Grolier                                    Encyclopedia. 1995 ed.         Williams, D. B. "Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis." Mayo Clinic Proc. Jan. 1991.                  Found on CD-ROM: The Family Doctor.