In her statement, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Selma Tekin from the Department of Neurology at PAU Hospitals said: “On the occasion of World ALS Day, observed every year on June 21, I would like to draw attention to ALS, a disease that is not sufficiently known in society but has extremely severe effects. ALS, or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, is a progressive neurological disease that occurs as a result of the gradual damage of nerve cells that control our movements. While the disease gradually reduces a person’s muscle strength, it usually preserves cognitive functions, memory, and consciousness. Therefore, ALS patients go through a challenging process, being aware of most of their physical losses. Although the initial symptoms of ALS vary from person to person, the most common findings include weakness in the arms or legs, difficulty in daily tasks, muscle twitching, cramps, speech disorders, and difficulty swallowing. As the disease progresses, walking, speech, nutrition, and respiratory functions may be affected. ALS, which usually occurs between the ages of 50 and 65, is seen slightly more frequently in men. It is estimated that approximately 6,000 to 8,000 people in our country are living with ALS. Although a small proportion of cases are genetically inherited, the exact cause of the disease has still not been fully clarified.”

“ALS is a disease that progressively restricts muscle movement; early diagnosis and support improve quality of life.”

Referring to the importance of detailed neurological evaluation, patient history, and especially electromyography (EMG) in the diagnostic process, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Selma Tekin continued: “When necessary, imaging methods and laboratory tests are also used. Although there is currently no treatment that completely eliminates ALS, it is possible to improve patients’ quality of life and prolong survival through early diagnosis and a multidisciplinary approach. In addition to medication, physical therapy, respiratory support, nutritional adjustments, and psychological support are integral parts of the treatment. As a physician, I would like to emphasize that the fight against ALS is not only the responsibility of patients and their families but of the entire society. It is of great importance to understand the physical, social, and psychological challenges faced by our patients, to support them, and to encourage scientific research in this field. I hope that World ALS Day contributes to increasing awareness of the disease, understanding the importance of early diagnosis, and ensuring that the voices of individuals living with ALS are heard more strongly.”