A faster diagnosis: Tools to help diagnose ALS

ALS is difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to those of other neuromuscular disorders. The diagnosis is often based on a full neurological examination and clinical tests, which can take months to complete.

Fortunately, funds raised by the CVS/pharmacy and ALS Therapy Alliance partnership have helped experts discover molecules that distinguish ALS from non-ALS body fluids. It is hoped that molecules like these, sometimes designated as “biomarkers,” will speed up diagnosis at early stages of the disease and accelerate treatment.