1. Treatment
1.1. Gene therapy
1.1.1. Con: because only a few percent of patients have a known gene defect, gene therapy is only sometimes effective
1.1.2. Pro: reduces production of toxic targets, reducing symptoms
1.1.3. Con: very expensive, for the associations that have to undergo clinical trials to get approval, and for the patients
1.1.4. Con: if something goes wrong with the gene delivery, the patient can have health problems
1.2. Physical therapy
1.2.1. Pro: helps patients maintain cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and range of motion as long as possible
1.3. Speech therapy
1.3.1. Pro: helps patients improve communication after the damage to their speech muscles
2. Medication
2.1. Rilutek
2.1.1. Pro: reduces the damage to motor neurons and prolongs life of ALS patients
2.1.2. Con: side effects include nausea, fever, aches, trouble breathing, stabbing chest pain
2.1.3. Con: doesn't affect ALS symptoms
2.2. Other Medications in Clinical Trial
2.2.1. Dexpramipexole
2.2.1.1. Pro: improves functional capability and survival by increasing efficiency of mitochondria the power houses of cells in motor neurons.
2.2.2. NP001
2.2.2.1. Con: 27% of patients who received this drug had no progression of their disease during the six-month period they were taking the medication
2.2.2.2. Pro: a more definitive Phase 3 trial will help give more accurate results.
2.3. Natural Medications
2.3.1. Coconut Oil
2.3.1.1. Pro: inexpensive and free from side effects
2.3.1.2. Pro: in some patients, has provided extra energy and slowed the progression of the disease
2.3.1.3. Con: not scientifically proven, or valdiated as a sole treatment/cure
2.3.2. Magnesium Chloride
2.3.2.1. Pro: helps nerve cell muscles receive and send messages
2.3.2.2. Pro: helps with the following symptoms = muscle spasms, cramps, tics, jerks, backaches, low energy, inability to sleep, anxiety, nervousness, weakening bones, and heart-related difficulties.
2.3.2.3. Con: most magnesium tablets or capsules are not fully absorbed by the body
3. Research
3.1. Embryonic stem cells
3.1.1. Pro: “only through exploration of all types of stem cell research will scientists find the most efficient and effective ways to treat disease” (ALS)
3.1.2. Con: conflicts with ethics and pro-life choices
3.2. Analyzing Genomes
3.2.1. Pro: pinpoint key targets and development more effective treatment
3.2.2. Con: not guaranteed to give a definitive or helpful outcome.
4. Raising awareness
4.1. Ice Bucket Challenge
4.1.1. Pro: helps people of all ages, backgrounds and communities become familiar with ALS.
4.1.2. Con: people often only gain a very shallow understanding of the disease.
4.1.3. Con: wastes thousands of gallons of water.