Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder which affects motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, resulting in reduced muscle function. Most individuals are diagnosed with the disease between the ages of 40-70, the average age being 55. There are cases where individuals can be diagnosed at an early age, such as in their 20’s or 30’s. The majority of people who are diagnosed are given between 3-5 years to live, but there have been cases such as Stephen Hawking who has lived with the disease for 53 years. The degeneration of the neurons in the central nervous system (CNS) eventually results in lack of movement resulting in death from the inability to contract the diaphragm to breath. 
Treatment for ALS is scarce. In fact, there is not a cure, but rather one drug called Riluzole that is used to slow the disease down. Riluzole acts byinhibiting the release of glutamate in the brain, which is the primary neuroexcititory compound in the CNS. The drug has a neuroprotective effect, which can result in an increase in life-expectancy for those diagnosed with ALS. But, there are side effects that come along with the drug such as fatigue, constipation, and spasticity. There are few other options for treatment, such as physical therapy and/or psychological support, but these are not “fixes” for the disease. These options may be recommended by a physician in order to make the individual more comfortable as the disease progresses.
Since the only treatment option available only slows the disease down, new treatment options would open the door to better lives for those diagnosed with ALS. Research is currently being conducted to find a new drug for ALS, but how much longer will it take scientists to find the “magic” treatment? The mechanisms that are involved in ALS progression are mitochondria disfunction, apoptosis, neurotoxicity from glutamate, inflammation, etc. These are all possible targets to research in order to develop a new treatment for ALS. Due to the heterogeneity of the disease, individuals who are diagnosed would most likely benefit from multiple forms of treatments. With so many possible starting points for treatments, how can scientists decide which is the best point to start from?
With so many different options for research, the possibility for a cure or better treatment is on the horizon for ALS patients. Research takes time, especially when it involves the development of new drugs, so the best thing to do is to wait and hope. With all of the technology available for medical research, I have no doubt that a new treatment will be available for patients with ALS sooner rather than later.
Will ALS Be Treatable in the Future?
