Aderinto Nicholas, Muili AbdulBasit Opeyemi, Afolayan Oluwatosin, Jolayemi Mubarak Mustapha
Department of Medicine and Surgery, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso.
Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria.
Ann Med Surg (Lond). 2023 May 10;85(6):3204-3208. doi: 10.1097/MS9.0000000000000814. eCollection 2023 Jun.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease with a global burden. Despite significant strides in ALS research, challenges facing ALS research in Africa are substantial. This paper discusses the current status and future directions of ALS research in Africa. Challenges and opportunities for ALS research in the region are highlighted, including limited funding and resources, the need for collaboration, and capacity building. Emerging technologies in ALS research in Africa are described, including telemedicine, neuroimaging, and genetic studies. Priorities for future ALS research in Africa are identified, including epidemiological studies, developing culturally appropriate diagnostic and management tools, and clinical trials of emerging treatments. Addressing these priorities will be critical to advancing ALS research and improving patient outcomes in Africa.
肌萎缩侧索硬化症(ALS)是一种具有全球负担的毁灭性神经退行性疾病。尽管ALS研究取得了重大进展,但非洲的ALS研究面临着诸多挑战。本文讨论了非洲ALS研究的现状和未来方向。文中强调了该地区ALS研究的挑战和机遇,包括资金和资源有限、合作需求以及能力建设。介绍了非洲ALS研究中的新兴技术,包括远程医疗、神经成像和基因研究。确定了非洲未来ALS研究的重点,包括流行病学研究、开发适合当地文化的诊断和管理工具,以及新兴治疗方法的临床试验。解决这些重点问题对于推进非洲的ALS研究和改善患者预后至关重要。