Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative condition that affects thousands of Americans every year. Recognizing the early warning signs of ALS is crucial for early intervention and effective management. Here are some of the key indicators that may signal the onset of ALS. Monitoring these signs can enable individuals and their families to seek timely attention from professional healthcare specialists and the appropriate support.

6 early warning signs of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

Muscle Weakness and Fatigue
One of the earliest indicators of ALS is muscle weakness, which may initially manifest as a subtle feeling of fatigue during routine activities. Simple tasks like lifting objects, walking, or even buttoning a shirt may become noticeably more challenging. Over time, this weakness may progress, leading to difficulties in performing everyday actions.

Muscle Twitches and Cramps
Individuals in the early stages of ALS often experience muscle twitches (fasciculations) and cramps. These involuntary contractions can occur in any part of the body and are typically a result of the degeneration of motor neurons. While twitches are common and can be benign, persistent and unexplained twitches should be brought to a healthcare provider’s attention.

Speech and Swallowing Difficulties
With the progress of ALS, the muscles involved in swallowing and speech are affected. Speech may become slurred or harder to understand, and there may be challenges in forming words or sentences. Additionally, individuals may experience difficulties in swallowing, leading to choking or coughing during meals.

Impaired Fine Motor Skills
The degeneration of motor neurons caused by the condition. This may manifest as difficulties in tasks that require precise hand movements, such as writing, buttoning shirts, or using utensils. A person may notice a decline in their ability to perform these activities with the same level of dexterity they once had.

Increased Muscle Stiffness and Spasticity
As ALS progresses, some individuals may develop increased muscle stiffness and spasticity. This can result in reduced flexibility and range of motion, making movements even more challenging. The stiffness may be most noticeable after periods of rest or inactivity.

Emotional and Cognitive Changes
While ALS primarily affects the motor neurons, some individuals may experience subtle cognitive or emotional changes. This can include difficulties with executive functions like planning and organizing or mood changes such as increased irritability or emotional lability. It’s important to note that these changes are typically more pronounced in a subset of ALS cases.