Final answer:
ALS is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects the motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, resulting in various symptoms like muscle cramps, difficulty speaking and swallowing, and muscle stiffness. These symptoms progress over time and can lead to paralysis and respiratory problems.
Step-by-step explanation:
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects the motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. One of the early signs of ALS is atrophy and weakness of the hands. Other possible signs of ALS include muscle cramps and twitching, difficulty speaking and swallowing, muscle stiffness and spasms. These symptoms progress over time and can lead to paralysis and respiratory problems.