Magnetic stimulation brings new hope to ALS patients
Brain magnetic stimulation can be used to slow ALS progression, according to a recent report
A recent Italian study has brought a breath of optimism in the fight against Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). A study conducted by the University Polyclinic Foundation Campus Bio-Medico and the Italian Auxological Institute IRCCS Foundation showed promising results in the use of magnetic stimulation to slow down the progression of the disease.
What is ALS and why is it so difficult to treat?
ALS is a neurodegenerative disease affecting motor neurons, the nerve cells that control voluntary movement. As the disease progresses, muscles progressively weaken, making it increasingly difficult to walk, speak and swallow. Until now, there were no treatments that could stop or reverse the course of ALS.
How does magnetic stimulation work?
The researchers found that excessive activity of nerve cells involved in ALS could accelerate degeneration. Magnetic stimulation, a non-invasive technique, acts on neurons, modulating their activity and trying to rebalance this process. Imagine adjusting a volume too high: the magnetic stimulation acts like a volume being lowered, trying to calm down the excessive activity of nerve cells.
The results of the study
After 24 months of treatment, over 70% of patients treated with magnetic stimulation survived without the need for a respirator, compared to 35% of patients who had not received the treatment. This result is very encouraging and suggests that magnetic stimulation could be a new way of slowing the progression of the disease.
What does this mean for patients?
Although the results are promising, it is important to stress that this is a preliminary study and further work is needed. However, this research offers new hope to patients and their families, showing that science is making significant progress in understanding and treating ALS.
The future of ALS research
The researchers are optimistic that magnetic stimulation, combined with other therapies, may represent a new frontier in the fight against ALS. New studies are underway to confirm these results and to assess the effectiveness of this technique on a larger number of patients.
A step forward towards a cure
This discovery underlines the importance of scientific research and collaboration between researchers. Thanks to studies like this, the day is approaching when it will be possible to slow down, if not stop, the progression of ALS and improve patients’ quality of life.