ALS

Question 1

ALS overview

Answer 1

Progressive, fatal neurodegenerative disease involving both the brain and spinal cord.

Question 2

Subtypes of ALS

Answer 2

1. Progressive bulbar palsy - presents with speech disturbance and swallowing difficulties
2. Limb-onset ALS
3. Progressive muscular atrophy - lower motor neurons are primarily involved
4. UMN-predominant ALS

Question 3

Most common genes associated with ALS

Answer 3

C9orf72, SOD1, FUS, and TARDBP - but many other genes are also implicated