Is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) contagious?

Written by Liu Hong Mei
Neurology
Updated on September 01, 2024
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Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is not contagious. It is a genetic disease associated with autosomal dominant inheritance and is not considered an infectious disease. The exact cause of ALS is still unclear. Commonly identified mechanisms include genetic factors, inflammatory agents, excitotoxic effects from amino acids, infections, autoimmune factors, exposure to toxins, and heavy metal poisoning from metals like lead, mercury, and aluminum. Other contributing factors may include a deficiency in nerve growth factors, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis. These factors may likely be involved in the development of ALS symptoms, but the disease is not communicable.

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Written by Liu Hong Mei
Neurology
1min 1sec home-news-image

What should people with ALS do if they cannot eat?

People with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis who are unable to eat may try liquid and semi-liquid diets, using warm liquids, eating little by little. If they cannot consume a liquid diet, they may need to resort to nasogastric feeding. A gastric tube is used for feeding, through which high-nutrition, high-protein, and high-calorie diets can be provided to sustain and extend the life of those with the condition. Avoid overeating and engage in appropriate exercise, paying attention to the functions of the respiratory and digestive systems. If there is excessive saliva, a small amount of antihistamine medication can be administered. If there is an excess of phlegm, nebulized inhalation and expectorant medications might be provided. If feeding through a gastric tube is also limited, intravenous nutritional support can be given.

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Written by Liu Hong Mei
Neurology
54sec home-news-image

Is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) contagious?

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is not contagious. It is a genetic disease associated with autosomal dominant inheritance and is not considered an infectious disease. The exact cause of ALS is still unclear. Commonly identified mechanisms include genetic factors, inflammatory agents, excitotoxic effects from amino acids, infections, autoimmune factors, exposure to toxins, and heavy metal poisoning from metals like lead, mercury, and aluminum. Other contributing factors may include a deficiency in nerve growth factors, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis. These factors may likely be involved in the development of ALS symptoms, but the disease is not communicable.

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Written by Liu Hong Mei
Neurology
59sec home-news-image

How do people with ALS eat if they can't swallow?

Patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) who no longer have swallowing function can be given nasogastric feeding and intravenous hyperalimentation to maintain nutrition and electrolyte balance. For patients with respiratory difficulties or respiratory failure, oxygen supplementation can be administered. This can be combined with treatments such as acupuncture, physical therapy, massage, and heat application. It is important to prevent complications such as pulmonary infections, aspiration pneumonia, hypostatic pneumonia, lower extremity venous thrombosis, acute gastritis, gastric mucosal erosion, and gastrointestinal bleeding, which are common in later stages of ALS. With the loss of swallowing function and decreased immunity, these complications can occur more frequently and require proactive treatment to improve nutritional status.

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Written by Liu Hong Mei
Neurology
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Do people with ALS experience frequent muscle twitching?

Muscle twitching in people with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) can be very frequent. When muscles in ALS patients experience spasms, irritation, weakness, or fatigue, twitching is likely to occur. Muscle twitching in ALS patients is generally very frequent and is related to the disease. ALS, often referred to as motor neuron disease, is caused by degenerative changes in the central nervous system, such as the spinal cord and brain, leading to damage in the neuromuscular system, resulting in muscle atrophy, twitching, and tremors. It is advisable to seek medical evaluation and, once diagnosed, pursue active treatment which may include nutritional support, massage acupuncture, and functional exercise.

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Written by Shi De Quan
Neurology
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Can early-stage ALS be cured?

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as motor neuron disease, is a condition that exclusively affects motor neurons without involving sensory neurons. Even if identified early, there are currently no specific medications to cure this disease; treatment can only be symptomatic and rehabilitative. Such approaches can alleviate symptoms. When symptoms are initially mild, medication can only slow down its progression but cannot cure it. The condition inevitably worsens gradually. Rehabilitative treatment can help reduce symptoms or delay the progression of the disease.