Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentPreventionFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prevention
Frequently Asked Questions
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS)andParkinson’s disease(PD)areneurodegenerative(nerve-dying) diseases that affect movement. Despite this similarity, they are separate conditions with unique symptoms that affect different parts of the nervous system . They also have distinct treatment options and outlooks.
This article reviews the key differences between ALS and Parkinson’s, including their symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment.
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The symptoms of ALS and Parkinson’s disease are typically mild early on before worsening over time. Symptoms, though, differ in type and how quickly they progress.
In addition to motor symptoms (those affecting movement), Parkinson’s disease is closely associated with non-motor symptoms (e.g., constipation and loss of smell).Also, ALS generally progresses faster than Parkinson’s disease.
ALS Symptoms
ALS affects the brain and spinal cord’s motorneurons(nerve cells that control muscle movement). The primary symptom of ALS is muscle weakness, which commonly begins in an arm or leg before spreading throughout the entire body. Arm or leg weakness in ALS often impairs a person’s ability to get dressed, write, climb stairs, and walk.
As the weakness spreads, difficulties with talking, chewing, swallowing, and holding your head up develop. Eventually, the disease prevents a person from breathing independently.
Other symptoms of ALS include:
Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms
With Parkinson’s disease, symptoms often begin on one side of the body before spreading to the other. This condition results from the death ofdopamine-producing nerve cells within an area of the brain called the substantia nigra. Since dopamine regulates movement, depletion produces motor (movement-related) symptoms.
The four cardinal motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are:
Dopamine loss in Parkinson’s also contributes to various non-motor symptoms, likedepression, sleep problems, loss of smell, constipation, andorthostatic hypotension(sudden low blood pressure when standing up).
What Causes ALS?
Researchers have identified various environmental factors that may increase a person’s risk for ALS, albeit likely only to a small degree. Some of these risk factors include smoking, service in the U.S. military, head trauma, strenuous physical activity, and lead exposure.
Over 50 genes have been identified as causing or being related to the development of ALS. Many of these genes are involved in RNA metabolism.However, most people with ALS do not have a family history of the disease.
What Is RNA?RNA stands for ribonucleic acid. It’s a molecule within living cells that is structurally similar toDNA. RNA creates proteins using cells' genetic information.
What Is RNA?
RNA stands for ribonucleic acid. It’s a molecule within living cells that is structurally similar toDNA. RNA creates proteins using cells' genetic information.
What Causes Parkinson’s Disease?
In Parkinson’s disease, dopamine-producing nerve cells within a brain region that regulate movement (the substantia nigra) break down and die.
Experts aren’t sure what exactly causes these cells to die. Like ALS, more than one factor is likely at play, including:
What Is Parkinson’s Disease?
No single test can confirm the presence of ALS or Parkinson’s disease. Instead, aneurologist(a doctor specializing in nervous system disorders) considers a person’s symptoms andneurological examinationwhen evaluating for either disease.
Various diagnostic tests are also usually performed to help pinpoint the diagnosis or rule out other possible conditions.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)of the brain and spinal cord is an example of a test commonly ordered when evaluating for either ALS or Parkinson’s disease.
What Is an MRI?An MRI is a sophisticated imaging technology that uses magnets and radio waves to create three-dimensional pictures of the body on a computer.
What Is an MRI?
An MRI is a sophisticated imaging technology that uses magnets and radio waves to create three-dimensional pictures of the body on a computer.
ALS Diagnosis
Other diagnostic tests used in the evaluation for ALS include:
Parkinson’s Disease Diagnosis
Diagnostic tests used in the evaluation of Parkinson’s disease include:
The goals of treatment for ALS and Parkinson’s disease are to manage symptoms and maintain quality of life. Medications for ALS are also intended to prolong survival and slow disease progression.
ALS Treatment
There are several types of therapies for managing ALS, including:
Parkinson’s Disease Treatment
Like ALS, there are varioustherapies for Parkinson’s. Treatment plans are tailored to the individual’s symptoms, age, and level of functioning.
Therapies include:
Home Exercises for Parkinson’s Disease
There is no absolute way yet to prevent ALS or Parkinson’s disease. However, adopting certain lifestyle habits might help lower your risk.
For example, some research suggests that consuming certain foods, like whole-grain bread, citrus fruits, and raw vegetables, may have a preventive effect on ALS.
Likewise, adopting a “brain-nourishing” diet, like theMediterranean diet, seems to lower PD risk.
What Is the Mediterranean Diet?The Mediterranean diet emphasizes the consumption of olive oil, fish, whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and legumes (such as beans, peas, lentils, and peanuts).
What Is the Mediterranean Diet?
The Mediterranean diet emphasizes the consumption of olive oil, fish, whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and legumes (such as beans, peas, lentils, and peanuts).
Interestingly, the link between caffeine intake and ALS risk remains controversial. Some studies suggest a protective role, whereas others have found no effect.The role of exercise in preventing ALS also remains unknown.
How to Prevent Parkinson’s Disease
Summary
ALS and Parkinson’s disease are distinct diseases that affect motor nerve cells and dopamine-producing nerve cells, respectively.
ALS primarily causes muscle weakness, whereas Parkinson’s disease is associated with motor symptoms (tremor, slow movements, muscle stiffness, and impaired balance) and non-motor symptoms (e.g., constipation, loss of smell, depression). Treatments for each condition are unique but aim to ease symptoms and maintain quality of life.
A Word From Verywell
Whether you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a common neurodegenerative condition like Parkinson’s disease or a rare one like ALS, it’s normal to feel upset and overwhelmed. As you process your diagnosis, lean on loved ones for comfort and emotional support.
Be sure to seek care and guidance from a healthcare provider specializing in your condition. As you navigate your treatment options, don’t hesitate to ask questions and be open about your worries or concerns.
Frequently Asked QuestionsParkinson’s usually affects people around 70 years but can occur earlier. ALS may strike at any age but most likely between 55 and 75.Learn MoreYoung Onset vs. Late Onset Parkinson’s DiseaseALS always results in death, typically within a few years of the start of symptoms. On the contrary, Parkinson’s disease does not directly cause death, although individuals with PD may have a reduced life expectancy, perhaps from complications related to the disease.Learn MoreLou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS) Prognosis and Life ExpectancyEarly symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are usually subtle and may include motor symptoms, especially tremor, and non-motor symptoms, especially constipation, depression, loss of smell, and sleep disturbances.Learn MoreEarly Signs and Symptoms of Parkinson’s DiseaseThere is currently no cure for ALS or Parkinson’s, although various therapies can manage symptoms. Also, scientists are working tirelessly to understand both diseases better, hoping to find a cure.Learn MoreHow Parkinson’s Disease Is Treated
Parkinson’s usually affects people around 70 years but can occur earlier. ALS may strike at any age but most likely between 55 and 75.Learn MoreYoung Onset vs. Late Onset Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s usually affects people around 70 years but can occur earlier. ALS may strike at any age but most likely between 55 and 75.
Learn MoreYoung Onset vs. Late Onset Parkinson’s Disease
ALS always results in death, typically within a few years of the start of symptoms. On the contrary, Parkinson’s disease does not directly cause death, although individuals with PD may have a reduced life expectancy, perhaps from complications related to the disease.Learn MoreLou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS) Prognosis and Life Expectancy
ALS always results in death, typically within a few years of the start of symptoms. On the contrary, Parkinson’s disease does not directly cause death, although individuals with PD may have a reduced life expectancy, perhaps from complications related to the disease.
Learn MoreLou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS) Prognosis and Life Expectancy
Early symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are usually subtle and may include motor symptoms, especially tremor, and non-motor symptoms, especially constipation, depression, loss of smell, and sleep disturbances.Learn MoreEarly Signs and Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease
Early symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are usually subtle and may include motor symptoms, especially tremor, and non-motor symptoms, especially constipation, depression, loss of smell, and sleep disturbances.
Learn MoreEarly Signs and Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease
There is currently no cure for ALS or Parkinson’s, although various therapies can manage symptoms. Also, scientists are working tirelessly to understand both diseases better, hoping to find a cure.Learn MoreHow Parkinson’s Disease Is Treated
There is currently no cure for ALS or Parkinson’s, although various therapies can manage symptoms. Also, scientists are working tirelessly to understand both diseases better, hoping to find a cure.
Learn MoreHow Parkinson’s Disease Is Treated
15 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.DeMaagd G, Philip A.Parkinson’s disease and its management: part 1: disease entity, risk factors, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and diagnosis.P T.2015;40(8):504-32National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) fact sheet.National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Parkinson’s disease.Balestrino R, Schapira AHV.Parkinson disease.Eur J Neurol. 2020;27(1):27-42. doi:10.1111/ene.14108Oskarsson B, Horton DK, Mitsumoto H.Potential environmental factors in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.Neurol Clin.2015;33(4):877-88. doi:10.1016/j.ncl.2015.07.009Fang T, Je G, Pacut P, Keyhanian K, Gao J, Ghasemi M.Gene therapy in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.Cells. 2022;11(13):2066. doi:10.3390/cells11132066Cherian A, Divya KP.Genetics of Parkinson’s disease.Acta Neurol Belg. 2020;120(6):1297-1305. doi:10.1007/s13760-020-01473-5Journal of Parkinson’s Disease De Miranda BR, Goldman SM, Miller GW, Greenamyre JT, Dorsey ER.Preventing Parkinson’s disease: an environmental agenda.J Parkinsons Dis. 2022;12(1):45-68. doi:10.3233/JPD-212922Kalia LV, Kalia SK.α-Synuclein and Lewy pathology in Parkinson’s disease.Curr Opin Neurol. 2015;28(4):375-81. doi:10.1097/WCO.0000000000000215Hauser RA, LeWitt PA, Comella CL.On demand therapy for Parkinson’s disease patients: opportunities and choices.Postgrad Med. 2021;133(7):721-727. doi:10.1080/00325481.2021.1936087Pupillo E, Bianchi E, Chiò A, et al.Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and food intake.Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener. 2018;19(3-4):267-274. doi:10.1080/21678421.2017.1418002Metcalfe-Roach A, Yu AC, Golz E et al.MIND and Mediterranean diets associated with later onset of Parkinson’s disease.Mov Disord.2021;36(4):977-984. doi:10.1002/mds.28464Seidl SE, Santiago JA, Bilyk H, Potashkin JA.The emerging role of nutrition in Parkinson’s disease.Aging Neurosci.2014;6:36. doi:10.3389/fnagi.2014.00036Fondell E, O’Reilly ÉI, Fitzgerald KC, et al.Intakes of caffeine, coffee and tea and risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Results from five cohort studies.Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener. 2015;16(5-6):366-71. doi:10.3109/21678421.2015.102081Dommershuijsen LJ, Heshmatollah A, Darweesh SKL, Koudstaal PJ, Ikram MA, Ikram MK.Life expectancy of parkinsonism patients in the general population.Parkinsonism Relat Disord. 2020;77:94-99. doi:10.1016/j.parkreldis.2020.06.018
15 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.DeMaagd G, Philip A.Parkinson’s disease and its management: part 1: disease entity, risk factors, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and diagnosis.P T.2015;40(8):504-32National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) fact sheet.National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Parkinson’s disease.Balestrino R, Schapira AHV.Parkinson disease.Eur J Neurol. 2020;27(1):27-42. doi:10.1111/ene.14108Oskarsson B, Horton DK, Mitsumoto H.Potential environmental factors in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.Neurol Clin.2015;33(4):877-88. doi:10.1016/j.ncl.2015.07.009Fang T, Je G, Pacut P, Keyhanian K, Gao J, Ghasemi M.Gene therapy in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.Cells. 2022;11(13):2066. doi:10.3390/cells11132066Cherian A, Divya KP.Genetics of Parkinson’s disease.Acta Neurol Belg. 2020;120(6):1297-1305. doi:10.1007/s13760-020-01473-5Journal of Parkinson’s Disease De Miranda BR, Goldman SM, Miller GW, Greenamyre JT, Dorsey ER.Preventing Parkinson’s disease: an environmental agenda.J Parkinsons Dis. 2022;12(1):45-68. doi:10.3233/JPD-212922Kalia LV, Kalia SK.α-Synuclein and Lewy pathology in Parkinson’s disease.Curr Opin Neurol. 2015;28(4):375-81. doi:10.1097/WCO.0000000000000215Hauser RA, LeWitt PA, Comella CL.On demand therapy for Parkinson’s disease patients: opportunities and choices.Postgrad Med. 2021;133(7):721-727. doi:10.1080/00325481.2021.1936087Pupillo E, Bianchi E, Chiò A, et al.Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and food intake.Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener. 2018;19(3-4):267-274. doi:10.1080/21678421.2017.1418002Metcalfe-Roach A, Yu AC, Golz E et al.MIND and Mediterranean diets associated with later onset of Parkinson’s disease.Mov Disord.2021;36(4):977-984. doi:10.1002/mds.28464Seidl SE, Santiago JA, Bilyk H, Potashkin JA.The emerging role of nutrition in Parkinson’s disease.Aging Neurosci.2014;6:36. doi:10.3389/fnagi.2014.00036Fondell E, O’Reilly ÉI, Fitzgerald KC, et al.Intakes of caffeine, coffee and tea and risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Results from five cohort studies.Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener. 2015;16(5-6):366-71. doi:10.3109/21678421.2015.102081Dommershuijsen LJ, Heshmatollah A, Darweesh SKL, Koudstaal PJ, Ikram MA, Ikram MK.Life expectancy of parkinsonism patients in the general population.Parkinsonism Relat Disord. 2020;77:94-99. doi:10.1016/j.parkreldis.2020.06.018
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
DeMaagd G, Philip A.Parkinson’s disease and its management: part 1: disease entity, risk factors, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and diagnosis.P T.2015;40(8):504-32National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) fact sheet.National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Parkinson’s disease.Balestrino R, Schapira AHV.Parkinson disease.Eur J Neurol. 2020;27(1):27-42. doi:10.1111/ene.14108Oskarsson B, Horton DK, Mitsumoto H.Potential environmental factors in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.Neurol Clin.2015;33(4):877-88. doi:10.1016/j.ncl.2015.07.009Fang T, Je G, Pacut P, Keyhanian K, Gao J, Ghasemi M.Gene therapy in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.Cells. 2022;11(13):2066. doi:10.3390/cells11132066Cherian A, Divya KP.Genetics of Parkinson’s disease.Acta Neurol Belg. 2020;120(6):1297-1305. doi:10.1007/s13760-020-01473-5Journal of Parkinson’s Disease De Miranda BR, Goldman SM, Miller GW, Greenamyre JT, Dorsey ER.Preventing Parkinson’s disease: an environmental agenda.J Parkinsons Dis. 2022;12(1):45-68. doi:10.3233/JPD-212922Kalia LV, Kalia SK.α-Synuclein and Lewy pathology in Parkinson’s disease.Curr Opin Neurol. 2015;28(4):375-81. doi:10.1097/WCO.0000000000000215Hauser RA, LeWitt PA, Comella CL.On demand therapy for Parkinson’s disease patients: opportunities and choices.Postgrad Med. 2021;133(7):721-727. doi:10.1080/00325481.2021.1936087Pupillo E, Bianchi E, Chiò A, et al.Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and food intake.Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener. 2018;19(3-4):267-274. doi:10.1080/21678421.2017.1418002Metcalfe-Roach A, Yu AC, Golz E et al.MIND and Mediterranean diets associated with later onset of Parkinson’s disease.Mov Disord.2021;36(4):977-984. doi:10.1002/mds.28464Seidl SE, Santiago JA, Bilyk H, Potashkin JA.The emerging role of nutrition in Parkinson’s disease.Aging Neurosci.2014;6:36. doi:10.3389/fnagi.2014.00036Fondell E, O’Reilly ÉI, Fitzgerald KC, et al.Intakes of caffeine, coffee and tea and risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Results from five cohort studies.Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener. 2015;16(5-6):366-71. doi:10.3109/21678421.2015.102081Dommershuijsen LJ, Heshmatollah A, Darweesh SKL, Koudstaal PJ, Ikram MA, Ikram MK.Life expectancy of parkinsonism patients in the general population.Parkinsonism Relat Disord. 2020;77:94-99. doi:10.1016/j.parkreldis.2020.06.018
DeMaagd G, Philip A.Parkinson’s disease and its management: part 1: disease entity, risk factors, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and diagnosis.P T.2015;40(8):504-32
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) fact sheet.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Parkinson’s disease.
Balestrino R, Schapira AHV.Parkinson disease.Eur J Neurol. 2020;27(1):27-42. doi:10.1111/ene.14108
Oskarsson B, Horton DK, Mitsumoto H.Potential environmental factors in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.Neurol Clin.2015;33(4):877-88. doi:10.1016/j.ncl.2015.07.009
Fang T, Je G, Pacut P, Keyhanian K, Gao J, Ghasemi M.Gene therapy in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.Cells. 2022;11(13):2066. doi:10.3390/cells11132066
Cherian A, Divya KP.Genetics of Parkinson’s disease.Acta Neurol Belg. 2020;120(6):1297-1305. doi:10.1007/s13760-020-01473-5
Journal of Parkinson’s Disease De Miranda BR, Goldman SM, Miller GW, Greenamyre JT, Dorsey ER.Preventing Parkinson’s disease: an environmental agenda.J Parkinsons Dis. 2022;12(1):45-68. doi:10.3233/JPD-212922
Kalia LV, Kalia SK.α-Synuclein and Lewy pathology in Parkinson’s disease.Curr Opin Neurol. 2015;28(4):375-81. doi:10.1097/WCO.0000000000000215
Hauser RA, LeWitt PA, Comella CL.On demand therapy for Parkinson’s disease patients: opportunities and choices.Postgrad Med. 2021;133(7):721-727. doi:10.1080/00325481.2021.1936087
Pupillo E, Bianchi E, Chiò A, et al.Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and food intake.Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener. 2018;19(3-4):267-274. doi:10.1080/21678421.2017.1418002
Metcalfe-Roach A, Yu AC, Golz E et al.MIND and Mediterranean diets associated with later onset of Parkinson’s disease.Mov Disord.2021;36(4):977-984. doi:10.1002/mds.28464
Seidl SE, Santiago JA, Bilyk H, Potashkin JA.The emerging role of nutrition in Parkinson’s disease.Aging Neurosci.2014;6:36. doi:10.3389/fnagi.2014.00036
Fondell E, O’Reilly ÉI, Fitzgerald KC, et al.Intakes of caffeine, coffee and tea and risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Results from five cohort studies.Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener. 2015;16(5-6):366-71. doi:10.3109/21678421.2015.102081
Dommershuijsen LJ, Heshmatollah A, Darweesh SKL, Koudstaal PJ, Ikram MA, Ikram MK.Life expectancy of parkinsonism patients in the general population.Parkinsonism Relat Disord. 2020;77:94-99. doi:10.1016/j.parkreldis.2020.06.018
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