Glossary of Terms Index Page
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
action tremor
A tremor that increases when the hand is moving voluntarily.
activities of daily living (ADLs)
Personal care activities necessary for everyday living, such as eating, bathing, grooming, dressing, and using the toilet; a term often used by healthcare professionals to assess the need and/or type of care a person may require.
advance directives
Documents (such as a Living Will) completed and signed by a person who is legally competent to explain wishes for medical care should he or she become unable to make those decisions at a later time.
agitation
A non-specific symptom of one or more physical, or psychological processes in which screaming, shouting, complaining, moaning, cursing, pacing, fidgeting or wandering pose risk or discomfort, become disruptive or unsafe or interfere with the delivery of care.
agonist
A drug that increases neurotransmitter activity by directly stimulating the nerve cell receptors.
akinesia
No movement.
ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis)
A chronic, progressive disease marked by gradual degeneration of the nerve cells in the central nervous system that control voluntary muscle movement. The disorder causes muscle weakness and atrophy; symptoms commonly appear in middle to late adulthood, with death in two to five years. The cause is unknown, and there is no known cure. Also called Lou Gehrig's Disease, or Motor Neuron Disease. Literally, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis means without muscle nourishment, side (of spinal cord) hardening.
Alzheimer's Disease
A form of degenerative brain disease resulting in progressive mental deterioration with disorientation, memory disturbance and confusion. Alzheimer's leads to progressive dementia, often accompanied by dysphasia and/or dyspraxia. The condition may also give rise ultimately to spastic weakness and paralysis of the limbs, epilepsy and other variable neurological signs.
amino acid
One of the 20 building blocks of protein.
antibody
A defense protein that binds to foreign molecules to allow elimination of the foreign molecule.
antigen
Substances that are capable of causing the production of antibodies. Antigens may or may not lead to an allergic reaction.
antioxidant
A chemical compound or substance that inhibits oxidation.
arteriogram (angiogram)
An X-ray scan of arteries going to and through the brain. Patients who have arteriograms first are injected with a radiopaque dye.
assay
A method to analyze or quantify a substance in a sample. An assay is an analysis done to determine: 1. The presence of a substance and the amount of that substance. 2. The biological or pharmacological potency of a drug.
The ALS Association - 1275 K Street NW - Suite 1050 - Washington, DC 20005
All content and works posted on this website are owned and copyrighted by The ALS Association. ©2010
