According to a story from the Washington Post, Dr. Rahul Desikan had chosen to dedicate much of his research career to the study of long term, neurodegenerative illnesses. About a year and a half ago, Rahul’s career was picking up steam; he had just helped kick off the largest study ever dedicated to the genetics of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, everything changed when, out of the blue, he was diagnosed with the disease himself.
What is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)?
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease that causes the death of nerve cells responsible for voluntary muscle movement. This mysterious disease has no known cause is the majority of cases, though around ten percent may be inherited. Symptoms of the disease include muscle wasting, cramping, and stiffness, problems speaking and swallowing, difficulty moving, and cognitive changes that progress to dementia. There is no cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, though some treatments can help prolong life for a few months. In most cases, patients die within four years of their diagnosis; however, a small number of patients survive longer. Stephen Hawking, for example, was able to live nearly 55 years with the disease. To learn more about amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, click here.
Rahul’s story
For Rahul, his first symptom was changes to his voice, following by weakness in his left arm. He was diagnosed about a year ago and has already lost his speaking and walking ability, as well as normal function of his hands. Despite this, Rahul has not stopped his research. While he has to continue his work from home, Rahul has a special equipment setup that allows him to continue using his computer, albeit at a slower pace.
By facing from the very disease he was hoping to help cure, the scientist can’t help but feel as if this is the universe’s cruel take on irony. Regardless, Rahul has been the author of 25 scientific studies since getting diagnosed. The large genetic study that he had started was able to discover new genes that are linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
For Rahul, the diagnosis has come with many challenges, but it is also motivating him to continue his research more fervently than ever. It is probably too late for himself to get saved, but at the very least, his research can lay the essential groundwork for future treatments.
