From the Guidelines
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) symptoms in a 36-year-old female typically include muscle weakness, dysarthria, and dysphagia.
Common Symptoms
- Muscle weakness is the main symptom in spinal or peripheral onset of the disease, which is the most common form of ALS, accounting for approximately 65-75% of cases 1
- Dysarthria (speech difficulties) and dysphagia (swallowing difficulties) are common in bulbar onset ALS, which affects approximately 25-35% of patients 1
- Cognitive dysfunction, mainly frontotemporal dementia, is present in 20-50% of cases 1
- Constipation can occur due to abdominal and pelvic muscle weakness, limited physical activity, and a low-fiber diet 1
- Anorexia is common, often attributed to psychosocial distress, depression, and polypharmacy 1
Disease Progression
- ALS patients can experience increased energy requirements due to factors such as increased work of breathing, lung infections, and other not yet well-established factors, despite a reduction in lean body mass 1
- The disease can progress to respiratory failure and malnutrition with dehydration, which are the primary causes of death in ALS patients 1
- The mean survival of ALS is 3-5 years, with 5-10% of patients living longer than 10 years 1
From the Research
Symptoms of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
The symptoms of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) can vary from person to person, but common symptoms include:
- Progressive muscle weakness and wasting
- Muscle atrophy
- Spasticity
- Dysarthria (difficulty speaking)
- Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
- Respiratory problems
Onset of Symptoms
The onset of symptoms can be focal, meaning they start in one area of the body, and then spread to other areas over time 2. In some cases, symptoms can start in the bulbar region, which includes the brainstem and spinal cord, and can lead to difficulties with speech and swallowing 2.
Age of Onset
While the mean age of onset for ALS is around 60 years, it can occur at any age, including in younger individuals 3, 2. In fact, one study found that 9% of patients with ALS were under the age of 50, with the youngest patient being 36 years old 3.
Gender Differences
There is a slight male prevalence in ALS, with a male-to-female ratio of approximately 1.5:1 2. However, this does not necessarily mean that women are less likely to experience symptoms of ALS.
Non-Motor Symptoms
In addition to motor symptoms, ALS can also cause non-motor symptoms, such as changes in behavior, executive dysfunction, and language problems 4, 5. These symptoms can have a significant impact on a patient's quality of life and can provide useful information for disease progression and treatment.
Clinical Presentation
The clinical presentation of ALS can vary depending on the individual, but common symptoms include muscle weakness, atrophy, and spasticity 2, 6. Patients may also experience respiratory problems, dysarthria, and dysphagia. A diagnosis of ALS is typically made based on a combination of clinical history, examination, electromyography, and exclusion of other potential causes of symptoms 2.