Canadian actor Kenneth Mitchel who starred in popular movies Star Trek and Captain Marvel passed away last week. He was 49 and passed away after a five year long battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.
The news was shared by his official Instagram account. The statement read, “With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Kenneth Alexander Mitchell, beloved father, husband, brother, uncle, son and dear friend to many. For five and a half years Ken faced a series of awful challenges from ALS. And in truest Ken fashion, he managed to rise above each one with grace and commitment to living a full and joyous life in each moment.”
According to the ALS Society of Canada, more than 2 lakh people around the world have ALS, out of which 80% people die within 2-5 years of diagnosis. To understand more about this disease, the OnlyMyHealth team spoke to Dr Mohan Krishna J, Consultant Neurologist, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad.
What Is ALS Or Lou Gehrig’s Disease?
“ALS leads to the gradual deterioration of motor neurons, responsible for voluntary muscle control. People with ALS experience muscle weakness, and stiffness, and, over time, lose the ability to perform basic functions like walking, speaking, and breathing,” defined Dr Krishna J.
According to the ALS Association, the onset of ALS is often subtle, with symptoms initially manifesting as muscle weakness or twitching in one or more limbs. Dr Krishna J shared that over time, individuals may experience:
- Muscle Weakness: Initial signs often involve weakness in hands, legs, or slurred speech.
- Muscle Atrophy: Gradual shrinking of muscles due to the loss of motor neurons.
- Difficulty Speaking and Swallowing: Impaired control of muscles involved in speech and swallowing.
- Cramps and Twitching: Muscle cramps and involuntary twitching may occur.
- Tripping and Falling: Coordination and balance issues leading to frequent falls.
- Breathing Problems: As respiratory muscles weaken, breathing difficulties arise.
However not everyone with ALS will have the same progression of symptoms. ALS can vary widely among individuals, with some experiencing rapid deterioration while others may have a more gradual decline over several years.
Also Read: Men who Bald Early are at Risk of Incurable Lou Gehrig’s Disease
ALS Treatment
The biggest obstacle in in treating ALS is that it is a complex disease and its cause is not entirely understood. “Approximately 5-10% of cases are familial, associated with specific genetic mutations, while 90-95% are sporadic with no clear genetic pattern. Environmental factors, immune system abnormalities, and protein mishandling in neurons are also under investigation,” said Dr Krishna J.
He added, “The intricate interplay of genetic and environmental factors in ALS development requires ongoing research for a more comprehensive understanding and potential therapeutic breakthroughs.”
Talking about the ways to treat Lou Gehrig’s Disease, Dr Krishna J shared, “ALS treatment focuses on managing symptoms, improving quality of life, and providing support.” He listed the various treatment modalities:
- Medications like riluzole and edaravone may slow disease progression and alleviate symptoms.
- Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy help maintain mobility, independence, and communication abilities.
- Assistive devices such as wheelchairs, ventilators, and communication aids aid daily functioning.
- Multidisciplinary care teams comprising healthcare professionals provide comprehensive support tailored to individual needs.
Dr Krishna J ended on a hopeful note that while there is no cure for ALS, ongoing research is exploring potential treatments and therapies to enhance patient outcomes and quality of life. The news of Kenneth Mitchel’s death is unfortunate and reinstills the need for a heightened awareness around this deadly disease, another famous opatient of which is Stephen Hawking. That is why efforts to raise awareness, promote research, and provide support for individuals and families affected by ALS are crucial in advancing our understanding of the disease and developing more effective treatments.
