BIOLOGY 105 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Spasticity, Physical Therapy, Zebrafish
15 Mar 2016
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In 1993, researchers identified the first mutated gene to give rise to als. Deletion of the gene may not be a problem, but some sort of toxic new function. How mutation of sod1 leads to as is not known. Now >20 genes identified that can cause als. Mechanisms that seem to contribute to als cell suicide. Physical therapy to prolong muscle use in early stages. Slow weight loss and muscle decline with amino acid supplements. Antidepressants to control excess saliva and help with depression. Riluzole slows decline and extends life by a few months. Not clear how it works, but thought to decrease glutamate levels. The vast majority of sci research is funded by grants from the federal government. Animal models may be key for developing new als drug therapies. Most common cause of dementia, which is the loss of thinking, remembering, and reasoning, dementia is not natural aging!
