Twitching and weakness in a limb are a few of the early visible symptoms of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. ALS is a progressive nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cords, causing a loss of muscle control. Over its progression, it can lead to slurred speech and affects the muscles needed to move, eat and breathe.

Stem Cell Therapy for ALS can lead to some development and recovery of the lost bodily capabilities. Stem cell therapy can help regenerate damaged nerve cells in the affected areas. Although the therapy may help in recovering some of the lost functionalities back, full-on recovery depends upon the health conditions of the patient, the amount of time he has been suffering from MND and the extent of damage that his neurons have witnessed.

Early detection, in any case, can help in medical treatment; in the case of Stem Cell Therapy as well, early detection can help in recovering normal functions to a significant extent. To recognise the onset of MND early on, here are some of the most prominent symptoms you would be able to witness.

• Difficulty in walking or doing normal daily activities
• Tripping or falling over
• Weakness in your legs, feet and ankles
• Weakness in hands and lower limbs
• Muscle cramps and twitching in arms, shoulders and tongue
• Cognitive and behavioural changes.

It has often been noticed that ALS starts in the hands, feet or limbs and then spreads to other body parts. As the disease advances and nerve cells are destroyed, your muscles get weaker. This eventually leads to challenges in chewing, swallowing, speaking and breathing. Although over the years, research has been able to identify some of the most prominent causes, such as

Heredity

5 to 10% of the people with ALS inherited it from their family; further on, their kids have a 50-50 chance of developing the disease.

Age

ALS risk increases with age and is most common between the ages of 40 and mid-’60s

Sex

Before the age of 65, slightly more males than females develop ALS, although age with a bunch of other conditions, such as the presence of diabetes and high blood pressure, become the most prominent reasons behind the onset of MND.

Environmental factors which are known for triggering ALS

Smoking

Smoking is one of the most prominent likely environmental risk factors for ALS. The risk seems to be the greatest for women, particularly after menopause.

Environmental toxic exposure

Prolonged exposure to Lead mercury or other substances in the workplace or at home might be linked to ALS s; even after continued research for years, no single agent or chemical has been consistently associated with ALS.

Military Service

Studies indicate that people who have served in the military are at higher risk of developing ALS. It has been unclear what elements of military service directly affect the onset of ALS. The probable cause could be exposure to traumatic injuries, viral infections and intense exertion.

While researchers have been incapable of producing any evidence suggesting that Stem Cell Therapy can help in MND, but due to its holistic approach, Stem Cell Therapy has profound potential for improving functionalities from what they were.