Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: From Mechanisms to Current, Emerging, and Alternative Therapeutics

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a severe neurodegenerative disease affecting the motor neurons. Although the etiology remains unknown, mutations in superoxide dismutase 1 have been observed in patients with familial ALS, resulting in increased calcium in the cells and leading to cell death. Additionally, studies in patients with the C9orf72 repeat expansion have shown lower age of onset, cognitive and behavioral impairments, and reduced survival. Accumulation of TDP-43 in the cytoplasm of neurons and glial cells caused by the loss of UBQLN2 has been shown to lead to mitotoxicity and proteasomal overload. Early diagnosis of ALS is necessary for the optimization of care between a patient’s neurologist and interdisciplinary team members to ensure the best outcomes possible. Proper management between physical therapy, occupation therapy, and pharmaceutical medications can improve ALS symptoms, achieving the highest quality of life possible for the patient. The current therapeutic medication recommended for ALS is Riluzole, but new therapies are emerging. This paper analyzes mechanisms of injury and progression of ALS along while analyzing current, emerging, and alternative therapeutics targeting ALS.