Weak Muscles
When it comes to ALS, weak muscles are one of the earliest signs of the disease’s impact on the nervous system. The motor neurons responsible for instructing the muscles to move start to deteriorate, causing individuals to gradually lose control and strength in their muscles. This degeneration also leads to a decline in muscle mass. Consequently, individuals with ALS may find themselves dependent on wheelchairs even before they completely lose their ability to walk.
Vocal Pitch Changes in ALS
When individuals with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) experience a loss of neurons affecting the bulbar nerves, they may also encounter laryngeal dysfunction. One common manifestation of this dysfunction is a change in vocal pitch, often resulting in speaking at a lower register. This alteration in voice is frequently accompanied by hand-eye coordination problems, which are commonly associated with ALS.