A Comparison Between ALS, Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are conditions that affect an individual’s nervous system and brain. Both conditions also cause tremors during the early stages, which can affect an individual’s movement. Despite their similarities, however, the conditions require different treatments to manage their symptoms. Below, we look at the similarities and differences between ALS and Parkinson’s disease.

What is Parkinson’s disease?

This condition destroys cells in the basal ganglia, which makes it hard for individuals to control their movements. Data from the Parkinson’s Foundation shows that about 90,000 individuals are diagnosed with this condition annually in America.

This condition’s symptoms usually begin on one side, becoming more debilitating as the disease progresses. Its primary symptoms include the following:

• arm, hand, head or leg shaking
• muscle stiffness
• coordination and balance issues that result in falls

What about ALS?

ALS, which is also referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a disease that attacks motor neurons, which control breathing and muscle movement. Over time, the disease weakens muscles, causing a loss in mass as well as twitching. As the condition progresses, individuals reach a stage where they cannot talk, walk or even chew food.

Early symptoms of ALS include muscle stiffness, weakness in the limbs, slurred speech and muscle twitching, among others.

What are the similarities between the two conditions?

Apart from causing tremors, the two illnesses occur because of the breakdown of different areas of an individual’s nervous system. Additionally, patients with these diseases require a significant amount of care as the conditions progress and patients age.

What about differences?

Parkinson’s disease affects nerve cells that produce dopamine in the brain while ALS mainly affects motor neurons. Patients with Parkinson’s often live for a longer period in comparison to those with ALS. Additionally, Lou Gehrig’s disease always causes disability in patients. This may occur in Parkinson’s but not in all patients.

Furthermore, both conditions require different treatments to manage their symptoms. For ALS, treatment involves medications such as Edaravone, Relyvrio and Riluzole, among others. These drugs work by slowing functional decline, preventing the death of nerve cells and decreasing damage to motor neurons, respectively.

For Parkinson’s, medications that boost dopamine in the brain are prescribed. Surgery may also be recommended in some cases, with other options such as physical therapy and occupational therapy also being included in treatment plans.

It should be noted that no current treatment can cure and/or reverse either disease.

Companies such as Clene Inc. (NASDAQ: CLNN) are focused on bringing to market effective treatments that will not only halt the progression of conditions such as ALS but possibly reverse them.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to Clene Inc. (NASDAQ: CLNN) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/CLNN

About BioMedWire

BioMedWire (“BMW”) is a specialized communications platform with a focus on the latest developments in the Biotechnology (BioTech), Biomedical Sciences (BioMed) and Life Sciences sectors. It is one of 60+ brands within the Dynamic Brand Portfolio @ IBN that delivers: (1) access to a vast network of wire solutions via InvestorWire to efficiently and effectively reach a myriad of target markets, demographics and diverse industries; (2) article and editorial syndication to 5,000+ outlets; (3) enhanced press release enhancement to ensure maximum impact; (4) social media distribution via IBN to millions of social media followers; and (5) a full array of tailored corporate communications solutions. With broad reach and a seasoned team of contributing journalists and writers, BMW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that want to reach a wide audience of investors, influencers, consumers, journalists and the general public. By cutting through the overload of information in today’s market, BMW brings its clients unparalleled recognition and brand awareness.

BMW is where breaking news, insightful content and actionable information converge.

To receive SMS alerts from BioMedWire, “Biotech” to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information, please visit https://www.BioMedWire.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the BioMedWire website applicable to all content provided by BMW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.BioMedWire.com/Disclaimer

BioMedWire
San Francisco, CA
www.BioMedWire.com
415.949.5050 Office
Editor@BioMedWire.com

BioMedWire is powered by IBN