Health Conditions
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects the nerve cells in your brain and spinal cord affecting muscle control. Almost 5,000 people receive an ALS diagnosis every year. ALS worsens over time and although there is no cure there are treatments to slow the progression of the disease.
Symptoms
Patients with ALS can experience:
Muscle weakness
Muscle cramps
Twitching
Muscle stiffness
Drooling
Speech challenges
Fatigue
Trouble swallowing
Respiratory dysfunction
Causes
The exact cause of ALS is unknown; however, genetics and environmental exposures are known to contribute to causing the disease. There are over 40 genes related to the onset of ALS and environmental toxins like cadmium, lead and mercury may play a role.
Treatment
There is no cure for ALS however treatment options are available to slow the disease progression and improve comfort. Treatment options like medication, therapy or rehabilitation, nutritional support, and breathing support can help patients live as comfortably and independently as possible.
Microbiota Therapy Research
Dr. Richard Bedlack at Duke University is leading a first of its kind clinical trial with microbiota transplant therapy for ALS patients.
Clinical Trial: Intestinal Microbiome Transplant in ALS
Trial Location: Duke University – Durham, NC
Trial Status: Underway
Trial Summary:
Dr. Richard Bedlack at Duke University is leading a pilot clinical trial for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) patients, also known as Lou Gehrig Disease. This clinical trial is currently underway. Participants will first receive an oral antibiotic twice daily for 10 days, followed by a bowel cleanse and then receive encapsulated microbiota therapy for 2 months.
For more information, visit: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07017946
Research Alerts