Canadian actor Kenneth Mitchell, known for his roles in ‘Star Trek’ and ‘Captain Marvel’, passed away at the age of 49 due to Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) on Monday. ALS is a fatal motor neuron disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis, and respiratory failure.
Ken Mitchell battled ALS for five and a half years before his passing, as confirmed by his family in a statement on Instagram. He was remembered as a beloved father, husband, brother, uncle, son, and friend, known for his diverse roles in films and television shows.
Experts, such as Dr. Ishu Goyal, Associate Consultant Neurologist at Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, explained that ALS is a disease with no known specific cause, making it difficult to predict who may develop the condition. Symptoms of ALS include muscle weakness, cramps, impaired motor function, slurred speech, and breathing issues.
Dr. Vipul Gupta, chief of Neurointervention at Artemis Hospital, Gurugram, highlighted that ALS patients may eventually lose the ability to move, breathe, eat, and talk as the disease progresses. Breathing difficulties are a primary cause of death in ALS patients due to muscle weakness in the lungs and chest, including the diaphragm.
ALS typically begins with weakness in one part of the body, such as a hand or leg, and gradually progresses to affect other parts of the body. While there is no cure for ALS, certain medications can slow down the progression of the disease and potentially prolong the patient’s life. Tarragon injections and Dialysol tablets are currently used to manage ALS symptoms.
In conclusion, Kenneth Mitchell’s battle with ALS sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals diagnosed with this devastating disease. Despite the lack of a cure, ongoing research and treatment options offer hope for ALS patients in managing their symptoms and improving their quality of life.
