ALS Society
of Manitoba
La Société
Manitobaine de la SLA
ALS
Kennedy’s Disease / PLS & Other
Kennedy’s Disease (KD) is a rare neuromuscular disease and a form of adult-onset Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) that is a result of mutations in the Androgen Receptor gene on the X chromosome. There are small increases in one specific region of the gene. The larger the increases, the earlier the onset and the more pronounced the symptoms.
KD is also known as Spinal Bulbar Muscular Atrophy (SBMA). It is an inherited chromosomal X-linked recessive disease that affects the spinal and bulbar neurons causing muscle wasting (atrophy) predominantly in the legs, arms, face and throat. It is estimated that one in 40,000 people worldwide has KD.
- Weakness of tongue and mouth muscles
- Problems breathing (breathy speech pattern)
- Difficulty swallowing
- Poor articulation
- Changes in voice and speech (harsh or strained voice, decrease in range of pitch)
- Numbness
- Hand tremors
- Decreased or absent deep tendon reflexes
- Twitching of muscles when at rest (Fasciculations)
- Cramps: Large muscle spasms
- Increased calf size due to cramps
- Loss of muscle bulk
- Erectile dysfunction
- Breast enlargement (Gynecomastia)
- Impotence
- Decreased size and function of testicles
- Low sperm count
- Late onset: Symptoms usually develop in the late 30’s or later
- Progresses quite slowly
- Those living with KD have a nearly normal lifespan
- Females are rarely affected but can be carriers and experience a mild expression of the disease
Diagnosis
Many people are not diagnosed for years. Due to similarities in symptoms, many people are misdiagnosed with ALS. KD can be diagnosed easily with a simple DNA blood test. Very often KD diagnosis is done between the ages of 20-50 years.
Treatment
To date, KD is incurable and there are no treatments. Some people living with the disease do take prescribed medications to alleviate symptoms. Patients have reported that stretching exercises can help ease cramps and pain.
Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS)
Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS) is a rare progressive neurodegenerative disease which is similar to ALS. However, ALS and PLS are not the same thing. Unlike ALS, PLS only affects the upper motor neurons. ALS affects both the upper and lower motor neurons.
