Charcot’s disease, also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), is a syndrome that typically affects people between the ages of 40 and 80. It usually begins with muscle weakness. A person with this disease can experience a rapid decline in health. Death occurs when the respiratory muscles become paralyzed.

Charcot’s disease remains a great mystery to doctors. Its causes are unknown. Genetics and environmental factors may play a role in this disease.
© shutterstockAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, results in the degeneration of motor neurons. These are the nerve cells that control the muscles. If these cells die, the muscles eventually atrophy.
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The first signs of this disease are muscle weakness. Patients have particular difficulty walking or holding objects. Their motor skills are impaired.
© shutterstockThere are two forms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The first affects the spinal cord and primarily affects men. The second is the bulbar form, which affects women and impacts the muscles of the throat and mouth. One in three patients has this form.
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