What is the usual cause of death for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)?

For patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the usual cause of death is respiratory failure due to progressive muscle weakness. ALS is a neurodegenerative disease that primarily affects motor neurons, leading to a gradual loss of muscle control. As the disease progresses, the muscles responsible for breathing weaken, eventually resulting in respiratory failure, which is often the direct cause of death.

Breathing difficulties arise as the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, which are essential for effective respiratory function, become increasingly compromised. Patients may eventually require ventilatory support; however, many choose to forgo this option due to quality of life considerations. This phenomenon underscores the critical nature of respiratory function in ALS patients, making respiratory failure the primary cause of mortality in this population.

Understanding the mechanisms of ALS highlights the importance of early interventions to manage symptoms and support breathing as much as possible, ultimately aiming to enhance the quality of life in the face of this challenging condition.