May is ALS Awareness Month — a critical time to highlight neurological disorders that affect millions of lives. Two often-confused conditions, ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) and cerebral palsy (CP), share some physical symptoms but differ significantly in cause, progression, and impact.
ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that typically strikes adults between the ages of 40 and 70. It gradually destroys the nerve cells that control voluntary muscles, leading to increasing paralysis over time. The exact cause of ALS remains unknown, although genetics and environmental factors may play a role. Tragically, ALS is fatal, usually within three to five years of diagnosis. To learn more about signs and diagnosis, visit the ALS Association.
In contrast, cerebral palsy is a non-progressive condition caused by brain damage or abnormal development, typically before or shortly after birth. Unlike ALS, the symptoms of CP — including muscle stiffness, poor coordination, and mobility challenges — do not worsen over time. Early screenings and tests can help detect cerebral palsy in infants, allowing for early interventions that improve quality of life. While CP is lifelong, many individuals with cerebral palsy live full, productive lives with the right support and therapies.
Another major difference is how each disorder affects cognitive function. While ALS primarily targets the body, often leaving the mind intact, cerebral palsy can sometimes be associated with cognitive challenges, depending on the area and severity of brain injury.
Understanding these differences is essential for offering appropriate care and support. Resources like Cerebral Palsy Guidance provide families and caregivers with vital information on treatments, therapies, and daily living adaptations. Similarly, organizations supporting ALS research continue to push for breakthroughs in treatment and, hopefully, a cure.
This ALS Awareness Month, let’s not only honor those living with ALS but also build awareness around all neurological disabilities — because knowledge leads to compassion, and compassion leads to action.