Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a nervous system disease that attacks nerve cells called neurons in your brain and spinal cord. These neurons transmit messages from your brain and spinal cord to your voluntary muscles - the ones you can control, like in your arms and legs.
At first, this causes mild muscle problems. Some people notice
• Trouble walking or running
• Trouble writing
• Speech problems
Eventually, you lose your strength and cannot move. When muscles in your chest fail, you cannot breathe. A ventilator can help, but most people with ALS die from respiratory failure.
The disease usually strikes between age 40 and 60. More men than women get it. No one knows what causes ALS. It can run in families, but usually it strikes at random. There is no cure. Medicines can relieve symptoms and, sometimes, prolong survival.
News alert now say that statins may be linked to ALS. One researcher noted that after doing a scan for statin related illnesses, that out of 160 people who had ALS, almost 25% were on Statins.
Statins have been considered the wonder drug of the decade. They not only have well documented evidence of reducing cardiovascular risks in a large number of people, but other benefits are also likely.
Additionally, the FDA, however, does not feel there is anything to worry about, nor does it feel more research is needed.
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