Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS)is a progressive neurological condition without an exact cause.
While ALS cannot be prevented, some treatments can slow the progression of the disease.
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Can You Prevent ALS?
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Carotenoids
Carotenoids are orange, red, green, and yellow pigments in fruits and vegetables.
Oxidative stress, because of increased levels offree radicalsin the body, leads to inflammation.
Carotenoids act as antioxidantssubstances that help prevent or delay cell damage in the human body.
ALS involves inflammation and destruction of the nerves that tell muscles to contract.
Research has shown that carotenoids can help prevent neuroinflammation.
Causes of ALS
Unfortunately, no one knows for sure whatcauses ALS.
However, genetic and environmental factors contribute to the increased risk of developing the disease.
Environmental factors might also increase the risk of ALS, although more research is needed in this area.
These factors include:
Who Gets ALS?
Symptoms typically begin to show between 55 to 75 years of age.
Rehabilitation
Rehab therapists can help address symptoms resulting from ALS.
Psychotherapy
Receiving anALS diagnosiscan cause significant psychological challenges.
Some individuals with this condition also developdepressionor have significantanxietyabout how their life will change.
Summary
There is no way to prevent ALS.
Treatments for ALS include medications to help slow nerve damage, rehabilitation therapies, and psychotherapy.
Frequently Asked Questions
No.
There is no direct link between diet and the development of ALS.
Cleveland Clinic.Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
2018;2018:4120458. doi:10.1155/2018/4120458
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Antioxidant supplements: what you gotta know.
ALS Association.Medications for treating ALS.
ALS Association.Therapies and care.
