What is ALS?

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is indeed a progressive neurodegenerative disease that specifically targets the motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. Over time, this leads to a decline in the ability to initiate and control muscle movement. As the disease advances, patients experience increasing muscle weakness and atrophy, ultimately affecting their ability to perform everyday tasks such as speaking, swallowing, and breathing.

While it is true that ALS affects the brain, focusing solely on the brain does not encompass the full scope of the disease, which also prominently involves the spinal cord and ultimately impacts all voluntary muscle control. This is why the reference to both the brain and spinal cord is critical for understanding the complete nature of ALS.

The distinction between ALS and autoimmune diseases or genetic disorders lies in its mechanism; ALS is not classified as an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks healthy cells and it does not solely arise from genetic mutations, although some familial forms of ALS have been identified. Recognizing ALS as a progressive neurodegenerative disease captures its pathophysiology and clinical presentation accurately.