SPECTRUMS OF AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS Discover state-of-the-art research findings on ALS from leading authors and editors in the field In Spectrums of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Heterogeneity, Pathogenesis & Therapeutic Directions, distinguished researchers and editors Dr. Christopher A. Shaw and Jessica R. Morrice deliver a practical and powerful perspective on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) as a heterogeneous spectrum of disorders. This increasingly accepted point-of-view allows researchers and medical professionals to develop better targeted interventions and more precise therapies. In the book, readers will find chapters on a wide variety of critical issues facing ALS researchers and healthcare practitioners treating ALS sufferers, including animal models of ALS, neuronal support cells known to have a pivotal role in ALS, and current challenges in ALS clinical trials, among others. The authors describe pathologic features common to all cases of ALS and why animal models, though crucial, should be interpreted with caution. Finally, multiple genetic and environmental etiologies of the disease are discussed. Readers will also benefit from the inclusion of: A thorough introduction to ALS as a spectrum disease and the implications for models, therapeutic development and clinical trial design Explorations of the genetic basis of ALS, prospective sALS etiologies, and the involvement of microbiome in ALS Discussions of ALS-PDC and environmental risk factors, protein aggregation in ALS, defects in RNA metabolism in ALS, and the non-cell autonomous nature of ALS and the involvement of glial cells Examinations of animal models of ALS and perspectives on previously failed ALS therapeutics and current therapeutic strategies Perfect for clinical neurologists, healthcare providers and caretakers, clinicians, and researchers studying motor neuron disease, Spectrums of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Heterogeneity, Pathogenesis & Therapeutic Directions is also an indispensable resource for the neurodegenerative research community, neurology residents, and graduate-level neuroscience students.

A diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (also known as Lou Gehrig's disease or motor neuron disease) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that exerts a notorious life-shortening physical toll. Understandably, clinicians are keen to avoid a wrong diagnosis when there are such serious consequences, but any delay in diagnosis can result in unnecessary, and sometimes harmful, interventions, and prevents prompt implementation of much-needed physical and emotional support. Starting from the premise that ALS is not one disease but a syndrome, with a spectrum of upper and lower motor neuron involvement, this highly readable resource examines the causes of diagnostic delay and how to avoid them. With no diagnostic test to confirm the disease, no mandatory investigations and very few plausible 'ALS mimics', the authors take a pragmatic approach to what must always be a clinical diagnosis. With case presentations and teaching points to aid understanding, 'Fast Facts: ALS' will give clinicians the confidence to confirm or exclude a diagnosis of ALS, so that individuals facing this most challenging of conditions can receive rapid multidisciplinary support to maximize the quality of their remaining life. Contents: • Defining the syndrome • Epidemiology and pathophysiology • The first symptoms • Differential diagnosis • Investigations • Emerging diagnostic biomarkers

This volume provides an evidence-based guide to the care of people with ALS/MND, including the control of symptoms, the psychosocial care of patients and their families, and care in bereavement.

Though considerable amount of research, both pre-clinical and clinical, has been conducted during recent years, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) remains one of the mysterious diseases of the 21st century. Great efforts have been made to develop pathophysiological models and to clarify the underlying pathology, and with novel instruments in genetics and transgenic techniques, the aim for finding a durable cure comes into scope. On the other hand, most pharmacological trials failed to show a benefit for ALS patients. In this book, the reader will find a compilation of state-of-the-art reviews about the etiology, epidemiology, and pathophysiology of ALS, the molecular basis of disease progression and clinical manifestations, the genetics familial ALS, as well as novel diagnostic criteria in the field of electrophysiology. An overview over all relevant pharmacological trials in ALS patients is also included, while the book concludes with a discussion on current advances and future trends in ALS research.

Molecular and Cellular Therapies for Motor Neuron Diseases discusses the basics of the diseases, also covering advances in research and clinical trials. The book provides a resource for students that will help them learn the basics in a detailed manner that is required for scientists and clinicians. Users will find a comprehensive overview of the background of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS/Lou Gehrig’s Disease) and Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), along with the current understanding of their genetics and mechanisms. In addition, the book details gene and cell therapies that have been developed and their translation to clinical trials. Provides an overview of gene and cell therapies for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other motor neuron diseases Edited by a leading Neurosurgeon and two research scientists to promote synthesis between basic neuroscience and clinical relevance Presents a great resource for researchers and practitioners in neuroscience, neurology, and gene and cell therapy

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Patient Care Guide for Clinicians is intended as a practical reference for clinicians caring for ALS patients, and will bring together the collective wisdom of those at the forefront of patient-oriented research and practice. This will be an official project of the ALS Research Group (founded by Dr. Mitsumoto and currently headed by Dr. Bedlack), and provides both an evidence-based and experience-based guide to multidisciplinary ALS care. The book will begin with a brief review of current concepts of ALS including diagnostic criteria, genetic and sporadic subtypes, epidemiology, co-morbidities and prognosis. Individual chapters then tackle the gamut of specific issues that arise in caring for people with ALS, from breaking the news all the way through end-of-life care and bereavement. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Patient Care Guide for Clinicians is divided by disciplines, mirroring the way large multi-disciplinary ALS clinics operate and includes pertinent material for each member of the care team. Each section will has one primary author from that discipline (an expert ALSRG member), who will review the specific issues they have seen arise and review the evidence-based options presented for each issue. Each section will also has a group of secondary authors, other experts from the same discipline who offer counterpoints or other ideas about how to handle clinical problems (i.e. use of lipids and statins, screening for driving, etc.)—essentially what has or hasn't worked for them—thus capturing the variety of opinions across experts in the field and providing real-world care information that isn't available or documented anywhere else.

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, is the most common of the motor neuron diseases that cause muscle atrophy. ALS is a chronic, progressively debilitating disease characterised by progressive muscle atrophy starting in the limbs and spreading to the rest of the body, often accompanied by overactive reflexes. It usually manifests itself after the age of 40. The exact cause of ALS is unknown and there is no cure at this time. ALS may be fatal in one year or continue for 10 or more years. This new book includes leading edge research from around the world and covers the aetiology, pathogenesis, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).