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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. (Granadoserrano et al 2014). Granadoserrano’s research states that Physical Therapy
can improve circulation and help to prolong muscle use in the early stages 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 to the effects of the physical therapy.
(Granadoserrano et 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
preservative would 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
promising neuroprotective 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. (Fanelli et
al 2012).
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. (Fanelli et 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.