What causes ALS?
SOD1
In ALS, nerve cells (neurons) waste away or die, and can no longer send messages to muscles. The reason for this is unknown but there are many theories. One is genetics, one out of every ten diagnosed cases of ALS is genetic.
Another cause can be mutations in the SOD1 enzyme. SOD1 is responsible for neutralizing free radicals. If not neutralized these radicals will build up and can cause changes in the DNA. Some researchers believe that these unneutralized radicals will change the gene responsible for ALS.
There are no known risk factors, except for having a family member who has a hereditary form of the disease.
Another cause can be mutations in the SOD1 enzyme. SOD1 is responsible for neutralizing free radicals. If not neutralized these radicals will build up and can cause changes in the DNA. Some researchers believe that these unneutralized radicals will change the gene responsible for ALS.
There are no known risk factors, except for having a family member who has a hereditary form of the disease.
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