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The 12th International Symposium on ALS/MND: Scientific Advancements in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a relentlessly rapid and progressive neurodegenerative disease that targets motor neurons in the spinal cord, cortex and the brain stem. Motor neuron degeneration leads to progressive paralysis and death, typically within 4 years after diagnosis. The molecular mechanisms that regulate selective motor neuron loss during ALS remain unclear, though many hypotheses including glutamate excitotoxicity, reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial dysfunction and cytoskeletal abnormalities have been proposed (1). We review the recent scientific progress as presented during the 12 International Symposium on ALS/MND and highlight some of the exciting new findings in this expanding area of research.