Treatments for ALS

Treatments for ALS

Mandi Kay Miller

National University

Medical Treatment

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a

neurodegenerative disorder of motor neurons causing progressive muscle weakness, paralysis,

and eventual death – with death occurring because of respiratory failure. There is currently no

cure or effective treatment for ALS and along with motor neuron degeneration, ALS is

associated with impaired energy metabolism, which is pathophysiologically linked to

mitochondrial dysfunction and glutamate excitotoxicity. (Goldhagen et. al 2014).

The Deanna Protocol (DP), is a metabolic therapy that has been reported to alleviate

symptoms in patients with ALS. Targeting energy metabolism with metabolic therapy produces a

therapeutic effect for ALS, which may prolong survival and quality of life in ALS patients.

(Goldhagen et al 2014).

Studies have found that metabolic therapies in the form of the ketogenic diet or caprylic

Triglycerides will enhance motor function and may attenuate neuronal dysfunction with ALS and

many other diseases.(Goldenhagen et al 2014).

Physical Therapy

ALS being a onset neurodegenerative disease will cause progressive paralysis and

eventually death due to the degenerations of motoneurons in the spinal cord, brainstem and the

motor cortex there is really no effective therapy and patients usually will die 2-5 years after

diagnosis.(Granadoserranoet al 2014).Granadoserrano’s research states that Physical Therapy

can improve circulation and help to prolong muscle use in the earlystages of ALS.

(Granadoserrano et al 2014).

Patient’s with ALS are examined and evaluated throughout the stages of the disease and

planning appropriate treatment programs will be necessary. Specific tests are used and general

observation and patient report information will then determine the stage and rate of progression

of the disease. The patient will then be evaluated as tothe effects of the physical therapy.

(Granadoserranoet al 2014).

Natural Remedies

The first step of any restorative diet is to REMOVE all toxins and processed food from your

diet.The foods such as sugars, artificial sweeteners, grains, hydrogenated oils and any

preservativewould fall into this category. High antioxidant fruits, vegetables,quality protein

sources, heathy fats and coconut oils are also a good source of nutrition.

Resveratrol (trans – 3,4,5- trihydroxystilbene) is a natural polyphenol found in grapes, with

promisingneuroprotective effect since it induces expression and activation of several

Neuroportective pathways involving Sirtuin1 and AMPK.(Granadoserrano et al 2014).

Protein-energy malnutrition is a frequent finding in ALS. The pathogensis of protein-energy

malnutrition in ALS is multifactorial. Muscle atrophy, hypophagia, dysphagia, and

hypermetabolism do play a role in determining the deterioration of nutritional status. (Fanelliet

al2012).

A multidisciplinary approach is crucial to set an appropriate plan for metabolic and nutritional

support in ALS. Nutritional management incorporates a continuous assessment and

implementation of dietary modifications throughout the duration of the disease.(Fanelliet al

2012).

References

Muscaritioli, M., Kushta, I., Molfino, A., Inghilleri, Sabatelli, M., & Rossi Fanelli, F. (2012). Nutritional and metabolic support in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Nutrition, 28(10): 959-66.