# data[].attributes.body
Louis Gehrig's Disease otherwise known as ALS.

# data[].attributes.headline
2. What causes the disorder and what gene or chromosome is affected?

# data[].attributes.subject
2. What causes the disorder and what gene or chromosome is affected?

# data[].attributes.body
Up until present day there is no one cause for ALS, scientists have determined it’s due to multiple different causes. Most likely changes to genes in a person, and the environment around one causes this disorder. The 4 genes that have been found most popular in patients diagonsed with ALS have been in order C9orf72, SOD1, TARDBP, and FUS, with 52 other genes being related to the cause of ALS.

# data[].attributes.headline
3. Are there prenatal tests for this disorder? If so, how are they tested?

# data[].attributes.subject
3. Are there prenatal tests for this disorder? If so, how are they tested?

# data[].attributes.body
This is no prenatal test to determine if one has ALS, but one can see if they have a higher chance of being diagnosed with ALS.

# data[].attributes.body
There is no single test that can determine if one has ALS, but a neurologic examination will be made to test ones reflexes, muscle strength and more. More specific tests can also be performed to ensure that what the person in question has is in fact ALS. These tests are Electromyography, nerve conduction study, magnetic resonance imaging, blood and urine tests, and a muscle biopsy can be done to narrow the results down.

# data[].attributes.headline
5. How does a person get this disorder? (Mutation or inherited?)

# data[].attributes.subject
5. How does a person get this disorder? (Mutation or inherited?)

# data[].attributes.body
In 90% of cases ALS is a mutation, but 10% of cases it’s diagnosed as inherited which is known as Familial ALS (FALS).

# data[].attributes.headline
6. What are the symptoms or effects on the individual with this disorder?

# data[].attributes.subject
6. What are the symptoms or effects on the individual with this disorder?

# data[].attributes.body
Early symptoms of ALS include muscle twitches and cramps. You will experience tight muscles and weaker muscles. Speech becomes slurred and you might develop difficulties swallowing or chewing. As ALS progresses, people may eventually lose their ability to stand and walk. They may develop permanent muscle or nerve damage. Anxiety and depression are also symptoms of ALS.

# data[].attributes.headline
7. Which population is affected? (Males, females, certain ethnicities, etc?)

# data[].attributes.subject
7. Which population is affected? (Males, females, certain ethnicities, etc?)

# data[].attributes.body
Males are most likely to get ALS, however ALS comes with age so as you get older the sex does not matter. Caucasian and non-hispanics are most likely to get ALS but all ethnicities have a chance to get it.

# data[].attributes.body
There is currently no cure for ALS, however there are medications and treatments. There are 2 types of medication: Edarvone and Riluzole.

# data[].attributes.headline
9. What is the long-term outlook for an individual with this disorder?

# data[].attributes.subject
9. What is the long-term outlook for an individual with this disorder?

# data[].attributes.body
The average survival time with ALS is about 2 to 5 years. Some people may live up to 10 years or longer. Small symptoms begin and eventually get worse.

# data[].attributes.headline
10. What is the current status of research on this disorder?

# data[].attributes.subject
10. What is the current status of research on this disorder?

# data[].attributes.body
The most recent news with the research of ALS is scientists found a protein is present is the brain tissue in patients with ALS.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
A new microscopic technique allows for the real-time study of RNA G-quadruplexes in living cells, with implications for the fight against amyotrophic lateral ...

Researchers have developed the first mouse model for a mitochondrial tRNALeu mutation, showing that the associated metabolic disorder results from faulty RNA ...

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive disease of the nervous system. It affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord called motor neurons. Motor neurons control muscle movement and ...

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects as many as 30,000 people in the United States, with 5,000 new cases diagnosed each year. It weakens muscles over time, ...

Researchers from two independent research teams have discovered how the mislocalization of a protein, known as TDP-43, alters the genetic instructions for UNC13A, providing a possible therapeutic ...

Riluzole, a drug approved to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a disease affecting nerve cells controlling movement, could slow the gradual loss of a particular brain cell that occurs in ...

Investigators found elevated levels of tau and a phosphorylated form of the tau protein in brain tissue from deceased people who had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and carried a mutation in the ...

Investigators have found that an abnormal form of the tau protein is present in brain tissue from deceased patients who had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Cells that were grown in contact with ...

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, attacks nerve cells known as motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, gradually leading to paralysis. The loss of function of an important gene, C9orf72, may ...

Researchers find an increase in inflammatory molecules in serum and cerebrospinal fluid of C90RF72 patients, informing future anti-inflammatory ...

Researchers now report a high-throughput target and drug discovery platform using motor neurons made from ALS patients. Using the platform, they confirmed two known targets and identified an existing ...

Scientists have determined the structure of protein 'fibrils' linked to Lou Gehrig's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders -- findings that provide clues to how toxic proteins ...

Scientists have identified the first compound that eliminates the ongoing degeneration of upper motor neurons that become diseased and are a key contributor to ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), a ...

The secrets long hidden in the DNA of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) living in Malta have been unlocked, according to a new ...

A research team has developed a diagnostic tool for the rare neurological disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The study used the patented immuno-infrared sensor to analyze folding changes of ...

An experimental medication that was recently shown to slow the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis has now demonstrated the potential to also prolong patient survival. The findings come from ...

Researchers have discovered a function for the protein missing in many types of ALS and FTLD, two neurodegenerative diseases. In neurons, the protein TDP-43 bound to messenger RNA that codes for ...

An investigational drug that targets an instigator of the TDP-43 protein, a well-known hallmark of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), may reduce the protein's ...

Scientists have taken a significant step forward in the search to find effective new drug candidates for the treatment of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as motor neuron ...

A clinical trial has found evidence that the experimental drug tofersen lowers levels of a disease-causing protein in people with an inherited form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, caused by ...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
als; amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; lou gehrig's; lou gehrig; familial als; motor neuron; neurodegenerative; fasciculations ; twitches; denervation; t2; amyotrophy; swallowing; dysphagia; dysarthria; spasticity; hyperreflexia; pseudobulbar affect; bilevel positive pressure ventilation; bipap; superoxide dismutase; mitochondria ; mitochondrial biogenesis; fals; sod1 mutation; a4v; el escorial; neurotrophins; cyanobacteria; bmaa; bdnf; chronic traumatic encephalopathy; sod1; tar dna binding protein ; tdp-43; tardbp; fus; glutamate; astrocytes; riluzole; riluzole; ceftriaxone; ceftriaxone; microglia; pesticides; kns-760704; f nmda; n-methyl d-aspartate; bulbar onset; lithium; tetracycline antibiotic minocycline ; cytochrome c ; methylcobalamin; arimoclomol ; speech-language pathologist; voice amplifiers; speech-generating devices; produce vocal sounds; ippv; biphasic cuirass ventilation (bcv); breathing; bilevel positive airway pressure (bipap); enantiomer of pramipexole; gagging; involuntary crying; involuntary laughing; vps54; garp; neurotoxic heavy metal

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A new microscopic technique allows for the real-time study of RNA G-quadruplexes in living cells, with implications for the fight against amyotrophic lateral ... Researchers have developed the first mouse model for a mitochondrial tRNALeu mutation, showing that the associated metabolic disorder results from faulty RNA ...

# data[].attributes.body
There are many support groups for ALS all around the world and the ALS Association website has them all listed and you can search by your state. Specifically closest to us in the Los Angeles area is the Golden west chapter who can be contacted at 1-866-750-2572 or careservices@alsagoldenwest.org.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Support Groups provide opportunities for people living with ALS and their loved ones to share their personal experiences and learn more about strategies for preserving independence and maximizing quality of life.

All Golden West Chapter Support Groups are facilitated by our professional Care Managers with extensive experience in ALS. With many monthly Support Groups to choose from, our goal is to provide one that is convenient for you and your loved ones.

What You Can Expect
- Tips and practical solutions for navigating the everyday challenges of living with ALS.

- Resources for exploring options and making decisions throughout the disease process.

- Connection and support from other people living with ALS, caregivers, and loved ones.
Some topic specific groups we offer include:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Support Groups provide opportunities for people living with ALS and their loved ones to share their personal experiences and learn more about strategies for preserving independence and maximizing quality of life. All Golden West Chapter Support Groups are facilitated by our professional Care Managers with extensive experience in ALS.