2. By TJ Wittmer

3. Muscle weakness. Slurred speech. Also it is very difficult swallow.

4. All forms of ALS are caused by a protein recycling system in the neurons of the spinal cord and brain that breaks down.

5. About 30,000 americans have ALS disease, and 3,000 to 5,000 new cases of people are diagnosed each year.

6. No cure has yet been found for ALS. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first drug treatment for the disease (Rilutek). Riluzole is believed to reduce damage to motor neurons by decreasing the release of glutamate.

8. CITATIONS "Columbia University Medical Center; Harvard- Columbia team creates neurons from ALS patient's skin cells." Stem Cell Week. 18 Aug. 2008: 6. eLibrary Science. Web. 17 Jan 2012. THIS IS A LINK ABOUT A MEDICINE USE FROM CHINA TO CURE ALS http://www.itmonline.org/arts/als.htm