An Introduction to Research on ALS
The goals of ALS research are to:
- Find the cause or causes of ALS
- Understand the mechanisms involved in the progression of the disease
- Develop effective treatment methods.
ALS Research on Neuron Degeneration
Scientists involved in researching ALS are seeking to:
- Understand the mechanisms that trigger selective motor neurons to degenerate in ALS
- Find effective approaches to halt the processes leading to cell death.
To do this, scientists are completing studies in:
- Animals to identify the means by which superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) mutations lead to the destruction of neurons
- The excessive accumulation of free radicals, which has been implicated in ALS.
ALS Research on Neurotrophic Factors
Research scientists also are examining how the loss of neurotrophic factors may be involved in ALS symptoms. Neurotrophic factors are chemicals found in the brain and spinal cord that play a vital role in the development, specification, maintenance, and protection of neurons.
Studying how these factors may be lost and how such a loss may contribute to motor neuron degeneration may lead to:
- A greater understanding of ALS and the development of neuroprotective strategies
- Finding the cause or causes of motor neuron degeneration in ALS
- Developing therapies to slow down the progression of the disease.
