Name: Sources and references | ALS Companion
Published: 2026-10-20

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): an animated, cited guide

This page needs JavaScript for its animations. The outline and key answers are below, and every claim in the full version carries a numbered citation.

Not medical advice. ALS Companion is an educational synthesis of published literature. It does not replace a clinician.

What is in it

What ALS is Who gets it, the numbers, and the ways it starts.
Upper and lower motor neurons Two neurons, two sets of signs, animated.
TDP-43 and what goes wrong A protein leaves the nucleus and clumps.
Genes: C9orf72, SOD1 and more Familial ALS, repeat expansions and genetic testing.
Diagnosis and criteria The Gold Coast, revised El Escorial and Awaji criteria, as a calculator.
The differential Conditions that can look like ALS, and how they differ.
ALSFRS-R and the course The 12-item scale, the progression rate and the stages.
Riluzole, edaravone and others What each drug targets and what the trials found.
Tofersen An antisense drug that lowers SOD1, for SOD1-ALS.
Breathing and NIV Weak breathing muscles, the tests, and when ventilation is offered.
Swallowing and feeding tubes Why weight matters and when a gastrostomy is discussed.
Living with ALS Communication, cognition, symptoms, planning and end of life.
Nursing care Assessment, giving the medicines, teaching and documentation.
Toward a cure Every route under study, with the evidence for each.
History and people From Charcot to tofersen.
Flashcards, quiz and glossary Revision for students.
Sources Every reference behind the guide.