Stem Cell Treatment for ALS in India
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease after the baseball legend who died of the disease in 1941, is a rare and debilitating neurological disorder. It is classified as a progressive disease, meaning that the nerve cells that regulate voluntary muscle movement (gray matter) of the brain and spinal cord begin to degenerate and die. Because the nerve or motor neurons start to break down, the brain can no longer initiate and control muscle movement—like walking, swallowing, speaking, and even breathing. As a result, muscle weakness or wasting and paralysis arise, leading to death within a timeline of 2 to 5 years in many cases following diagnosis.
The disease impairs muscle movements, like walking, swallowing, and speaking, and even breathing because the lower motor neurons stop transmitting signals to the corresponding muscles. While there is no cure identified, there has been substantial research and findings about the physiology behind ALS. There are genetic mutations, such as changes in the TSC1 gene, that have a relation to the onset of ALS in some cases.
Fortunately, India has prepared specialized treatment centers for ALS, which provide treatment under the goal of improving the ALS patient’s quality of life. A pertinent treatment modality that has developed lately is stem cell therapy. The goal of stem cell therapy is to improve and regenerate neurons affected by ALS and to slow disease progression. As such, clinicians and patients have been optimistic for extended life and qualitative functionality with stem cell therapy for ALS.
Early Symptoms of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
The early effects of ALS are often vague and difficult for a patient to identify, so the symptoms are easy to miss. At the beginning, symptoms may be as innocuous as slurred or nasal speech, difficulty chewing or swallowing, muscle weakness in the arms or legs, and repeated spasms, cramps, and stiffness. The specific symptoms obviously depend on which muscle groups are impacted first.Some patients may notice that their ALS started in their legs, which leads to stumbling, tripping frequently, or difficulty in running or walking. Other patients may notice that they are developing ALS initially in their arms or hands, where a normal function like writing or buttoning a shirt or turning a key becomes increasingly difficult. Some patients with ALS experience problems with speech first, implying an early weakness in the muscles of the tongue or throat.
In summary, ALS impacts the upper motor neurons in the brain as well as the lower motor neurons in the spinal cord and brainstem. Damage to the upper motor neurons usually leads to muscle spasticity and tightness, while the loss of lower motor neurons leads to weakness, atrophy, and fasciculation. Most patients will experience both at the end of the disease process.
Most patients with ALS will present around midlife with the early disease; however, ALS can happen at any age. Never ignore persistent weakness, spasticity, or anything related to speech. Getting medical help should always be sought.
Types of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is generally categorized under two general types, depending on their origins:
1. Sporadic ALS
Sporadic ALS represents the largest category of all the types of ALS. It accounts for approximately 90–95% of cases. Sporadic ALS occurs in a random manner without identification of the cause or any connection to family history. Anyone can get sporadic ALS regardless of their genetics.
2. Familial ALS (FALS)
This type of ALS accounts for 5–10% of cases. It is passed down from family members. It is the result of genetic mutations passed from a parent who has ALS to their children. Each of these children has a 50% chance of inheriting ALS. Because FALS is inherited, you may see it across generations in a family with FALS.
Causes of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
ALS is inherited in only 5-10% of cases, while most cases have no identifiable cause. Researchers are looking into gene mutations and other genetic factors. But many cases show no genetic disease association, indicating hereditary and non-hereditary influences may act to cause the disease.
Diagnosing ALS
When a neurologist is likely to make a diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig’s Disease, they will usually want to arrange a set of specialized tests in order to rule out other disorders and detect any damage to your muscles or nerves. Commonly prescribed diagnostic tests are:
- Electromyogram (EMG): A test to detect the electrical activity of muscle and assess abnormal muscle or nerve function.
- Nerve Conduction Study: A test to find out how well the nerves are sending signals to the muscles.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): A special test to obtain detailed pictures of the brain and spinal cord in order to rule out other possible neurological disorders.
- Blood and Urine Tests: Tests that will potentially rule out possible metabolic or infectious diseases that can affect symptoms similar to those perceived for ALS.
- Spinal Tap (Lumbar Puncture): A procedure used to look at cerebrospinal fluid to find possible indications of other neurological conditions.
- Muscle Biopsy: A procedure that takes a small piece of muscle and looks at it in order to rule out other muscle-related disorders from ALS.
Treatment of ALS
Recent studies showed mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) appear to have the ability to regenerate the myelin sheath in the nervous system. The ability to regenerate the myelin sheath may lead to better symptom relief and prolonged life expectancy. In comparison, steroids and other disease-modifying drugs have limited effects on an individual’s nervous condition by targeting and being able to only treat certain parts of the condition or certain symptoms. Those medications also run the risk of causing serious adverse effects for the patient. MSC therapy, on the other hand, allows for a more holistic approach, thus eliminating some of the concerns about major adverse effects while providing partial symptom management and probably regeneration.
FAQs
1. Can stem cell therapy cure ALS?
At this time there is no cure for ALS, so stem cell therapy does not cure but rather regenerates damaged neurons, helps slow disease progression, or helps the quality of life in ALS.
2. Why is India selected for ALS stem cell therapy?
India is with specialized treatment centers, state-of-the-art technology, and specialists in neurology; and affordable options making it popular across patients globally.
3. What type of stem cells are used for ALS?
Most therapies in India are using Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSC), which have the potential to restore the myelin sheath and improve motor function with little to no side effects.
4. Who is the best candidate for stem cell therapy for ALS?
Patients diagnosed with early- to mid-stage ALS with progressive muscle weakness, the presence of slurred speech, or mobility impairments would be the best patients to benefit from this therapy; however, they should always be evaluated by a neurologist first.
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