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amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (als) — better known as lou gehrig’s disease –— causes the body’s motor neurons to deteriorate, leading to muscle weakness. eventually, the neurons stop functioning, according to the mayo clinic . patients lose the ability to walk, talk, eat, and even breathe.
als has no known cause. there’s a genetic component in only about five per cent to 10 per cent of cases. in most, it is likely a complicated interaction between genetics and environmental factors, explains als canada , although what these factors are is not clear. there is no known cure and few treatment options. it is effectively a death sentence.
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more information on als, how to help, and support for individuals who have been diagnosed can be found at als canada .
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emjones@postmedia.com | @jonesyjourn