ALS is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disorder of the motor neurons with median survival of 3-5 years.\u00a0 The site of disease onset, and the timing of disease onset remain controversial, although<\/p>\n
a sudden and catastrophic degeneration of the motor neurons does occur.\u00a0 In this issue of JNNP a though provoking review by Eisen and colleagues suggests a long term pre clinicla period, perhaps stretching beck to the in utero period.\u00a0 In an<\/p>\n
accompanying letter,\u00a0 neuronal dysfunction (preceding degeneration) was reported in a zebra fish model.\u00a0 Interestingly, this dysfunction was slowed down by riluzole.\u00a0 The question remains as to whether we are too late by the time the patients present.\u00a0 But then, who should be treated\/monitored.\u00a0 The genetic cases, or all relatives of sporadic cases.\u00a0 Clearly there are more answers than questions, although headway has been made, and more research is needed.<\/p>\n
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