Question

"Which statement is not true of ALS?

A) It is a progressive neurologic disease that results in muscle atrophy.
B) Death usually occurs because of respiratory failure.
C) It occurs most frequently in women in their 30s.
D) The cause is unknown."

Answer 1

The statement 'It occurs most frequently in women in their 30s' is not true about ALS, which commonly affects individuals between age 40 and 70, more often in men.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that is not true of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is C) It occurs most frequently in women in their 30s. ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects motor neurons and leads to progressive muscle atrophy, paralysis, and respiratory failure. While ALS can strike at any age, it most commonly affects individuals between the ages of 40 and 70, and appears with a slightly higher frequency in men.

The cause of ALS is largely unknown, although genetic factors have been identified in familial cases, such as the mutation of the gene encoding for the superoxide dismutase protein (SOD1). However, for the majority of sporadic cases, no definitive cause has been established. Symptoms include muscle weakness, impaired speech and swallowing, and difficulty with movement, ultimately culminating in respiratory failure as the condition worsens. Despite the physical decline observed in ALS patients, their cognitive abilities typically remain intact, adding to the psychological burden of the disease.