ALS 2000: the past points to the future.
In this introductory review a number of issues concerning the direction of future research in ALS are addressed in relation to current understanding of this disorder and its treatment. The importance of understanding the pathways leading to motor neuron dysfunction and death is emphasized. Contemporary epidemiology, understandably focussed on genetic markers for familial ALS, needs to be widened to include as yet undocumented susceptibility-related genetic traits. Potential avenues for therapy are considered, and the fundamental contemporary issue of clinical measurement is discussed. Neglected aspects of contemporary research, including disturbed axoplasmic flow, are brought to attention. The role of experiment derived from clinical observation, and vice versa, is described by reference to a number of past and recent contributions to the understanding of ALS.
Swash
M
M
Department of Neurology, Royal London Hospital, UK. mswash@btinternet.com
D000690:Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology*; D016923:Cell Death; D006801:Humans