Genetic mutations are linked to FALS and another type of gene variation that causes free radicals -- a normal part of cell metabolism -- to attack DNA and proteins within cells randomly.
Chemical imbalances are also found in some ALS patients. Higher-than-normal levels of a chemical messenger in the brain called glutamate were found in spinal fluid. It has been determined that an excess of glutamate can be toxic to some types of nerve cells. Another symptom is called the “mishandling of proteins,” This means that abnormal forms of proteins inside nerve cells may be responsible for the cell’s death, hence, non-communication between brain and muscles.
Scientists are examining the possibility that immune cells are attacking nerve cells, which leads to the death of these particular cells. The cause of this immune cell response is unknown.
Environmental factors are also thought to contribute to an increased risk of ALS. Smoking increases a person’s risk by two times more than nonsmokers. And the risk keeps increasing the longer you smoke. The good news is that risk decreases when you quit smoking. Some data suggest that exposure to lead may increase ALS risk. And Gulf War vets who may have been exposed to a combination of certain chemicals and heavy metals, traumatic injuries, viral infections, and long periods of intense exertion may be at risk.
What are the symptoms of ALS?
Muscle weakness affects 60 percent of ALS patients, so the first, early signs of this illness are: dropping things and clumsiness because of hand weakness; tripping and falling; difficulty swallowing or breathing; slurred speech; abnormal fatigue of arms, legs and head; muscle cramps; twitching in arms, shoulders and tongue, and uncontrollable laughing or crying.
As the disease progresses, everyday tasks, like walking or buttoning a shirt, become more difficult. Chewing, swallowing, speech and breathing also become harder. Though less common, malnutrition and dehydration could develop because of the discomfort of eating. Aspirating food, liquids and saliva also may set up ideal conditions for pneumonia in the patient. Care must be taken that these signs are acted upon.