Potential Regulators of Sporadic ALS Development and Alternative Therapeutic Options

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder. It is also among the most lethal as life expectancy is between 2 and 5 years after diagnosis. Sporadic ALS (sALS) makes up 90% of all ALS cases with little known about the exact mechanism of pathogenesis. Many potential regulators of sALS development have been proposed, several of which are examined in this review with supporting evidence. Interplay among these factors is examined more closely in hopes of shedding more light on sALS pathophysiology. There is a paucity of effective treatment options as the only FDA-approved drug for use, riluzole, has a positive but modest benefit in improving survival. Other treatments available merely target ameliorating symptoms of ALS. Alternative treatment options are also discussed. This study ultimately aims to make relevant connections among factors implicated in sALS development and to highlight alternative forms of treatment in improving neuron function and status, albeit controversial.