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Review

Management and therapeutic perspectives in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

, , , , &
Pages 263-276 | Received 31 Mar 2016, Accepted 19 Aug 2016, Published online: 20 Sep 2016
 

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting both upper and lower motor neurons. Despite much research and effort, no clear insights into a unifying hypothesis for the pathogenesis has so far emerged for this disease.

Areas covered: We review the main pathophysiological hypotheses and the potential therapeutic targets in ALS, as well as the management of these patients (in order to improve their survival and quality of life).

Expert commentary: ALS is a complex neurodegenerative disease, these days considered as a multisystem disorder with predominant motor symptoms (and various clinical forms). Further comprehension of the pathophysiology of this disease is required, although pathophysiological mechanisms (such as TDP-43) show promise in the search for new therapies. There is still no curative treatment for ALS, but the emergence of multidisciplinary specialized ALS clinics has increased both the quality of life and the survival of these patients.

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Additional information

Funding

This paper was not funded.

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