Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Degenerative Disease

The development of many diseases that are located in the brain are linked to the developmental complications of aging. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is an uncommon disease that is known for the degeneration of motor neurons in the brain. The motor neurons that are affected control voluntary movement within the body; the degeneration of these motor neurons cause weakness throughout the body and muscles, paralysis, sclerosis and respiratory failure (Uccelli et al., 2007). Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is considered a degenerative disease because it most commonly affects people ages 65-74 with men being diagnosed more than women. There is no cure for this degenerative disease and there are also no treatment plans to those that are diagnosed (Uccelli …show more content…
Studies have shown that environmental factors, such as overexposure to lead and selenium, may contribute to the degeneration of the motor neurons.There have been various studies about how environmental factors cause amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Trace elements such as selenium, lead, and mercury are very toxic after a long-term exposure to the body (Uccelli et al., 2007). These metals are found in everyday items, such as food, drinks, and in the air. Although these trace elements are found in everyday life, being exposed to too much of it can be extremely harmful. Those exposed to a high level of selenium content are at a greater risk of being diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Vinceti et al., 1996). A town in Italy was accidently exposed to drinking water with unsafe levels of selenium. After coming in contact with this toxic element, four cases of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis were diagnosed (Vinceti et al., 1996). This lead to the question of whether toxic metals, such as selenium, are a cause of motor neuron degeneration? Researchers then began to investigate more into the individual’s next of …show more content…
Many people are exposed to trace amounts of lead on a daily basis, but some occupations make individuals exposed to this metal more frequently than others. One can be exposed to a high amount of lead by working in construction, working on cars, or even drinking moonshine. Researchers began to look for individuals to complete the survey and to observe their lead levels in their body. The results showed that a high exposure rate to lead can lead to a longer lifespan once diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Kamel, Umbach, Stallone, Richards, Hu, & Standler, 2008). Both occupational lead exposure and the blood and bone levels of lead increase the risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Kamel, Umbach, Stallone, Richards, Hu, & Standler, 2008). Since men are more commonly diagnosed and have higher lead levels within their body, they are statistically going to have a longer survival rate than