Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Lou Gehrig's Disease
Updated: 01/20/2006

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) was made famous by Lou Gehrig, the New York Yankees great whose baseball career was cut short in 1939. Two years after calling himself the “luckiest man on the face of the earth” at his tearful early retirement ceremony in Yankee stadium, Gehrig died of the disease. Today, ALS is widely known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

ALS is a degenerative neuromuscular disease that quickly progresses and destroys nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. This rapid destruction soon begins to affect motor skills and basic movement while preserving the mind and the ability to see, hear, touch, feel, and taste. In Gehrig's case, it became obvious at the start of the 1939 season that the ballplayer was off his game, having trouble fielding throws and running bases. Gehrig was benched in the beginning of the season, never to play baseball again.

The loss of control Gehrig experienced is the hallmark of the disease. ALS is characterized by symptoms such as tripping, clumsiness, difficulty talking and slurred speech, muscle cramps, and twitching. In its advanced stages, muscle wasting and atrophy set in. The most common cause of death among ALS patients is respiratory failure or pulmonary infection when the nerve damage eventually affects the muscles that control breathing. The average survival time after diagnosis with ALS is three to five years.

Scientists have struggled to identify the cause of ALS. To date, two main forms of the disease have been identified: familial and sporadic. Of these, sporadic ALS is by far the most common, accounting for about 90 percent of cases. Its cause is unknown, although researchers are pursuing a number of theories, including oxidative stress, glutamate toxicity, and mitochondrial dysfunction (Rowland L 1994; Cleveland DW 1999).

A number of other theories have been proposed, including autoimmune disorders, heavy metal poisoning, and even viral infection, but much more study is needed before these can be linked conclusively to ALS (Mitchell J 2000). However, there is evidence that ALS may be caused by poorly understood environmental factors. For example, the disease tends to cluster in geographical pockets, yet so far researchers have been stymied in their search for a common influence (Mitchell J 2000).

The second form of ALS, familial, is much more rare, occurring in only 5 percent to 10 percent of cases. Approximately 20 percent of familial ALS is caused by a genetic defect in an antioxidant enzyme called superoxide dismutase-1, or SOD (Sung JJ et al 2002; Rosen DR et al 1993). SOD's role in the body is to scavenge for unstable free radical molecules. When this enzyme is deficient, as in ALS, a buildup of free radicals may occur. The free radicals cause oxidative damage to nerve cells, eventually destroying them.

Because of familial ALS's close association with free radical damage, oxidative stress has emerged as a leading theory to explain sporadic ALS. Free radicals are molecules that have an unpaired electron. They can react with other molecules in the body that contain oxygen, thereby creating reactive oxygen species such as nitric oxide and the hydroxyl radical. Free radicals have been implicated in a large number of diseases. They can be neutralized to some degree with antioxidants such as vitamins C, E, or A; selenium; and coenzyme Q10.

It is important to understand, however, that free radical damage is likely only one factor among many involved in ALS. In reality, ALS is probably caused and aggravated by a number of conditions that work together. By designing a careful regimen of nutrients and supplements, individuals with ALS may be able to blunt the effects of individual factors, thereby slowing the progression of the disease and lessening its symptoms. Conventional medicine, which has fared poorly in treating ALS, also attempts to lessen symptoms by slowing progression. Currently only one drug is approved for ALS patients, and it has been shown to extend life span by only two months (Lacomblez L et al 1996).

ALS remains relatively rare. It occurs in one to three people per 100,000 and tends to affect people between 30 and 60 years of age, although it can occur in younger people. In the United States and Europe, it affects men slightly more than women. In some parts of the western Pacific (e.g., Guam), ALS is more common.

Possible Causes of ALS

To identify the underlying cause of sporadic ALS, a number of scientific studies have examined various theories. A growing body of evidence suggests that multiple, complicated factors may work together to cause and advance ALS. Studies have also shown that many of these factors are linked to underlying nutritional deficiencies that can be addressed through diet and nutrient supplementation.

Oxidative damage. Free-radical nerve damage, which can be caused by a defect in the SOD gene, has been implicated in familial ALS. As free radicals build up as a result of a deficiency in the antioxidant SOD, they assault and eventually destroy nerve cells. Researchers have discovered that sporadic ALS patients have many of the same underlying problems experienced by patients with familial ALS, including abnormal protein aggregation, increased levels of calcium between cells, and mitochondrial injury (Cameron A et al 2002). These conditions contribute to neuronal death and muscle wasting common in ALS.

Glutamate excitotoxicity. Glutamate is important to proper brain function because of its role in communication between neurons. Under normal conditions, its concentrations are tightly regulated during its release into the extracellular space and its reuptake into cells. In the case of stroke or seizure, however, excess amounts of glutamate are released into the space between cells. This excess glutamate can excite the nerve cells beyond their capacity and result in nervecell death.

In ALS, there is evidence that the glutamate reuptake system may not work correctly (Rothstein JD 1995), resulting in an accumulation of glutamate in the space between cells (Cameron A et al 2002). The excess glutamate allows more calcium to enter the cell. The interiors of motor-neuron cells are highly sensitive to excess calcium, which increases cell activity beyond normal levels (excitotoxicity) and contributes to cellular injury through the production of free radicals.

A common approach in treating ALS is to decrease the level of glutamate available in the body or to prevent cells from absorbing excess glutamate. In fact, this is the therapeutic target of the only drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of ALS. Dietary restrictions or supplements can be beneficial in reducing glutamate excitotoxicity (Doble A 1999; Rothstein JD 1995; Martin D et al 1993). Effective nutrients include pycnogenol, grape seed extract, creatine, and alpha-lipoic acid. Each of these is discussed in detail later in this chapter.

Mitochondrial abnormalities. The mitochondria are the powerhouses, or energy factories, of cells. They are responsible for many aspects of proper cellular function, including the production of ATP, the scavenging of radical oxygen species, and the maintenance of intracellular calcium concentrations. In ALS patients, changes in mitochondria have been identified (Menzies FM et al 2002). Mitochondrial abnormalities can directly lead to free radical production or increased calcium levels between cells. Additionally, because proper mitochondrial function is so essential, other processes, as yet unidentified, could be altered when mitochondrial health is impaired (Fosslien E 2001).

Supplements that support healthy mitochondrial function may help stabilize mitochondrial health. Supplements that have been proven to support the mitochondria include coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), creatine, and Ginkgo biloba.

Heavy metals and environmental agents. The role of heavy metals in ALS is highly controversial. Because ALS tends to cluster in certain geographical areas, such as a small town in Wisconsin, researchers have searched for an underlying common theme, including heavy-metal poisoning. So far, the results of these studies have been conflicting and confusing. However, some studies have connected ALS to environmental factors such as mercury (Mano Y et al 1990). Still other studies have been unable to prove a link between ALS and any of the common heavy metals (Gresham LS et al 1986). The same findings apply for environmental agents such as neurotoxic fertilizers and pesticides. While there is good reason to think that neurotoxic agents like these may be somehow linked to degenerative brain and nerve conditions like ALS, researchers have so far been unable to meet the demanding scientific standard needed to establish a causal relationship (Caban-Holt A et al 2005).

Spreading Symptoms: The Onset and Conventional Treatment of ALS

Like many neuromuscular diseases, it can be difficult to make an early diagnosis of ALS. Its symptoms vary from person to person, depending on which group of muscles is affected first. A person can notice tingling in the fingers or toes or cramping in the arms or legs while stretching in bed, for example. There could be trouble with tongue and facial movements, including chewing and swallowing.

As the disease progresses, it will move up the affected leg or arm until eventually all muscle groups become involved. This spread into all muscle groups is the defining characteristic of ALS. In fact, the term amyotrophy refers to the atrophy (wasting) of muscle tissue, while lateral sclerosis refers to the hardening of the spinal column from the buildup of scar tissue (Rowland LP et al 2001).

Currently, only one drug, riluzole, has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of ALS. Riluzole blunts the effects of glutamate by decreasing glutamate release and blocking the ability of glutamate to bind to its receptors, which decreases the excitotoxicity that leads to cell death. It has been shown to prolong survival times in ALS patients by approximately two months (Lacomblez L et al 1996). Albeit small, this increase in survival time indicates that controlling glutamate levels in the brain could be an essential component in fighting ALS, and it provides valuable information toward ultimately finding a treatment for the disease.

The rest of conventional medical treatment for ALS focuses on improving quality of life for ALS patients. Physicians frequently recommend prescription medications to relieve painful muscle cramps, excessive salivation, and other symptoms. ALS patients are often advised to engage in moderate exercise to maintain muscle strength and function, and to seek physical therapy. As the disease progresses, splints, braces, and wheelchairs are used to help with mobility. Occupational and speech therapy also helps patients as their motor control gradually deteriorates.

Are Stem Cells the Great Hope for Curing ALS?

One of the most exciting areas of research into ALS is stem cell therapy. Stem cells, which are immature cells that can differentiate into specialized adult cells, could represent the next great advance for ALS therapy.

Because of federal restrictions on stem cell therapy and the difficulty of designing studies, very few studies have been conducted so far on the treatment of ALS with stem cells. The ones that have been conducted, however, are encouraging, and early animal results show great promise. Researchers have found the following:

• Stem cells delayed motor neuron degeneration in mouse models of ALS (Salini V et al 2004).
• Bone-marrow-derived stem cells injected into human ALS patients were safe (Silani V et al 2004).

Even as researchers push forward with a promising study of stem cells in ALS, there is an understanding that antioxidant therapy will remain an important part of ALS therapy (Silani V et al 2004).

Attacking ALS with Nutrition

There is no question that adequate nutrition is crucial to survival for ALS patients. As the disease progresses, patients gradually lose the ability to chew or swallow easily. At the same time, the abdominal and pelvic muscles weaken, and depression frequently sets in. Patients often lose the ability and desire to eat, and malnutrition is a common problem (Cameron A et al 2002).

Unfortunately, the lack of adequate nutrition is especially dangerous for ALS patients. An ALS patient's increased efforts to breathe can result in a greater metabolic rate and the need for a higher caloric intake. Inadequate nutrition can further accelerate the breakdown of muscle tissue and weaken the immune system. This can lead to infection, which is a common cause of death in ALS patients (Aldrich TK 1993).

Studies have consistently indicated that the use of nutrient supplements and antioxidants help ALS patients reduce symptoms and maintain quality of life (Cameron A et al 2002). The following sections, based on Life Extension's survey of the literature, highlight evidence supporting various promising supplements.

Vitamins and Minerals: The First Line of Defense

Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin). Ultrahigh doses of vitamin B12 (25 mg) have been shown to improve or slow muscle wasting, which is common among ALS patients in the later stages of the disease (Kaji R et al 1998).

Vitamin E. Vitamin E has attracted significant attention from ALS researchers as a result of its antioxidant properties. Vitamin E protects cell membranes against a process known as lipid peroxidation (Cameron A et al 2002). Lipid peroxidation is the breakdown of the cell membrane, which could play a role in degenerative diseases such as ALS. A recent study in humans indicated that vitamin E can help prevent ALS because of its antioxidant properties (Ascherio A et al 2005)).

Zinc. Zinc is an important mineral involved in many physiological processes. During periods of oxidative stress, changes in zinc metabolism that lead to neurodegeneration can occur (Cuajungco MP et al 1997). Furthermore, mutations in the SOD enzyme that decrease its ability to bind to zinc have been demonstrated and may lead to ALS (Banci L et al 2002). However, a study conducted at the Linus Pauling Institute found that large doses of zinc inhibit copper absorption. In the study, researchers added a small dose of copper to animal ALS models receiving zinc (.3 mg/kg/day of copper with 18 mg/kg/day of zinc) and found the copper prevented early death associated with high doses of zinc (Ermilova IP et al 2005)

Herbal Supplements

Ginseng. In an animal model of ALS, ginseng was shown to significantly delay the onset of ALS symptoms (Jiang F et al 2000). This was likely due to its antioxidant properties. For more information about the safety profile of ginseng, see “Safety Caveats” at the end of this chapter.

Ginkgo biloba. Ginkgo biloba also has antioxidant properties (Ernst E 2002). Additionally, Ginkgo biloba has been shown to promote healthy mitochondrial function (Fosslien E 2001), and during an in vitro study, it was found to protect against glutamate-induced excitotoxicity (Kobayashi MS et al 2000). In animal studies, Ginkgo biloba also limited weight loss among female models for ALS (Ferrante RJ et al 2001).