Why is ALS common in Guam?
Most of the research on Western Pacific ALS has focused on Guam. Ingestion of food products derived from the false sago palm, Cycas micronesica (recently separated from Cycas circinalis), was proposed by nutritional anthropologist Marjorie Whiting as the process predisposing to the development of this form of ALS.
What is the main cause of ALS?
The exact cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is largely unknown, but genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors are all believed to play a role. The neurodegenerative disease is characterized by the death of motor neurons, which are the nerve cells that control muscle movements.
What is Guamanian ALS?
Lytico-bodig (also Lytigo-bodig) disease, Guam disease, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-parkinsonism-dementia (ALS-PDC) is a neurodegenerative disease of uncertain etiology endemic to the Chamorro people of the island of Guam in Micronesia.
How does BMAA cause ALS?
β-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) is an environmental toxin that is made by some kinds of cyanobacteria, blue-green bacteria that typically live in the ocean. BMAA can accumulate in fish and shellfish that ultimately are consumed by humans. This toxic compound has been linked to the development of ALS.
How common is familial ALS?
About 90 to 95 percent of ALS cases are sporadic, which means they are not inherited. An estimated 5 to 10 percent of ALS is familial and caused by mutations in one of several genes. The pattern of inheritance varies depending on the gene involved.
How many stages of ALS are there?
In general, though, the progression of ALS can be divided up into three stages: early, middle, and late.
Why do so many athletes get ALS?
Researchers have hypothesized that vigorous physical activity might increase exposure to environmental toxins, facilitate the transport of toxins to the brain, increase the absorption of toxins, or increase the athlete””s susceptibility to motor neuron disease through added physical stress.
Can ALS be prevented?
There is no definite method to prevent ALS. However, people with ALS can participate in clinical trials, the National ALS Registry, and the National ALS Biorepository. This participation may help researchers learn about potential causes and risk factors of the disease.
What race is Guamanian?
Chamorros
Native Guamanians, ethnically called Chamorros, are of basically Malayo-Indonesian descent with a considerable admixture of Spanish, Filipino, Mexican, and other European and Asian ancestries. Chamorros and other Micronesians constitute about half the population.
Can alcohol cause ALS?
The findings in the association between alcohol consumption and ALS are inconsistent; a recent population-based study suggests that drinking alcohol does not seem to influence the risk of developing ALS [40].
Can Roundup cause ALS?
MONDAY, May 9, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Exposure to pesticides and other chemicals may increase the risk for ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), a fatal neurological disease, researchers say.
How can familial ALS be prevented?
Eating bright colored foods, especially those that are yellow, orange, and red, may prevent or slow the onset of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).