ALS
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive condition in which the motor neurones in the brain and spinal cord gradually stop working, leading to muscle weakness and wasting.
Book a consultationHow ALS develops
Both inherited and sporadic forms exist, with genes such as C9ORF72, SOD1, TARDBP and FUS implicated in some people. Proposed mechanisms include mitochondrial dysfunction, glutamate excitotoxicity, oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. Changes in thinking can occur, and a minority of people develop frontotemporal dementia.
Common signs and symptoms
- Weakness in a hand, arm, leg or foot
- Slurred speech or difficulty swallowing
- Muscle twitching and cramps
- Breathing difficulty as the disease advances
- Fatigue and weight loss
Standard medical care
- Riluzole, which may modestly extend survival
- Multidisciplinary clinic care: neurology, respiratory, nutrition, speech and therapy teams
- Breathing support, feeding support and communication aids
- Palliative and psychological support for the person and family
Regenerative research
Cell-based approaches, including MSCs and the extracellular vesicles they release, are being explored for neuroprotective effects. The cited reviews describe early studies as showing feasibility and safety with only partial benefits, and state that more trials are needed. These remain experimental.
Published research
Selected review articles and studies on regenerative approaches. Links open external sites, which are not controlled by Arkangel Clinic.
- Mesenchymal Stem Cells: A Potential Therapeutic Approach for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis?
- Neuroprotective Potential of Cell-Based Therapies in ALS: From Bench to Bedside
- ALS Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Approaches: The Role of Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Extracellular Vesicles
- Mechanisms Underlying the Protective Effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Based Therapy
- Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Therapies for Neurodegenerative Diseases
Trusted patient information
Questions worth asking any clinic
- Is this treatment licensed, or part of a regulated clinical trial?
- What does the published evidence show, and what are the known risks?
- What would it cost, and what happens if it does not help?
- How will my own specialist or GP be kept informed?
