ALS can strike anyone, anywhere, any time
One or two people out of every 100,000 develop ALS every year. Men are affected slightly more than women. Although ALS may occur at any age, it is most common in middle-aged and older adults.
So far, ALS is an incurable disease. Scientists around the world are trying to understand the mechanisms that cause motor neurons to degenerate in ALS. Currently they are investigating the role of stem cells and growth factors as potential treatments for ALS.
Research has found that engineered human stem cells can aid the survival of sick motor neurons, but stem cell implants do not preserve the ability of the nerves to communicate with muscle. So, additional strategies are required for the maintenance of neuromuscular connections.
There are also scientific studies that appear to show growth factors, known to promote neuron growth and survival, can delay the progression of ALS in some animals.
The Chinese Medical Doctor Association's care giving hotline for ALS patients is: 8008103386
China Daily
(China Daily 11/21/2007 page19)
