4. The Advancement – ALS Intensifies
As the fourth stage unfolds, ALS moves from being an uninvited guest to an unwelcome inhabitant within the patient’s body. Muscle weakness, the primary hallmark of this disease, now extends across most parts of the body. The muscles that once helped patients move, speak, swallow, and even breathe, gradually succumb to the disease’s relentless progress.
This near-complete or complete loss of mobility can be distressing for patients. The tasks that were once routine – getting up from a chair, moving around the house, even feeding oneself – become mountains too steep to climb. This stage also brings an escalation of difficulties with speaking, swallowing, and even breathing.
Breathing, an act so fundamental to life, becomes a significant concern during this stage. As the muscles involved in the process become progressively weaker, patients may experience breathlessness even while resting.
This can lead to difficulties sleeping and increased tiredness, further hampering the patient’s quality of life. In some cases, patients may require a ventilator to assist with breathing.
Similarly, the muscles involved in swallowing start deteriorating, causing problems with eating and drinking. This can lead to weight loss, malnutrition, and dehydration, making it even more difficult for the body to combat the disease. At this stage, a feeding tube may be recommended to ensure the patient receives adequate nutrition. (4)
