Hair Strand Analysis Offers New Hope for Early ALS Detection OR Breakthrough ALS Test: Hair Analysis Shows Promise for Earlier Diagnosis

Paralysing ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) is a rare but devastating neurodegenerative disease that slowly robs people of their ability to move, speak, eat, and eventually breathe. Diagnosis is often delayed because symptoms appear gradually and current tests are invasive, costly, and not always accurate. According to a study published in ScienceDirect, a simple strand of hair may hold the key to earlier, faster detection. Their study reveals unique elemental patterns in hair that could identify ALS before severe paralysis sets in, offering hope for improved care, earlier treatment, and better quality of life.A simple strand of hair may one day help doctors diagnose paralysing ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) earlier and more easily than ever before. Researchers at Mount Sinai, in collaboration with Dartmouth Health, Columbia University, and Linus Biotechnology, have shown that hair contains unique elemental patterns that can distinguish people with ALS from healthy individuals.ALS is a paralysing neurodegenerative disease that attacks the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. This leads to progressive muscle weakness, stiffness, and eventually complete loss of movement. On average, it takes more than a year after symptoms appear for patients to receive a diagnosis. Sadly, most people live only two to five years after diagnosis, though some survive longer.Current diagnostic methods often rely on invasive tests or costly imaging scans. By contrast, a non-invasive hair test for ALS could speed up detection, improve quality of life, and potentially extend survival.The study involved analysing single strands of hair from 391 people, including 295 with ALS and 96 without the disease. Using a specialised laser technique called ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, scientists were able to capture elemental patterns at two to four-hour intervals, providing up to 800 data points per strand.Researchers measured 17 elements, including copper, zinc, magnesium, and lead. The analysis revealed that patients with ALS had disrupted copper balance, showing less coordinated elemental patterns compared with healthy controls.Interestingly, differences appeared between men and women:These findings suggest that imbalances in metals like copper may play a major role in the onset and progression of paralysing ALS.ALS is often called a paralysing disease because it gradually shuts down the body’s ability to move. It usually begins with subtle symptoms such as muscle twitching, weakness in the hands or legs, or slurred speech. Over time, the paralysis spreads, robbing patients of their ability to walk, talk, eat, and eventually breathe on their own.Importantly, ALS does not usually affect memory, intelligence, or senses, meaning people remain mentally aware while their body becomes increasingly paralysed. This is what makes the condition especially difficult for patients and their families.Doctors and researchers stress that early detection of ALS is crucial. If diagnosed sooner, patients can begin treatment earlier—using medications, nutrition plans, therapy, and assistive devices. These interventions cannot cure ALS but can slow progression, ease symptoms, and improve quality of life.The Mount Sinai team believes that a hair-based test for ALS could help identify the disease one to two years earlier than current methods—and eventually even before symptoms appear. This would give patients valuable time to plan care, access therapies, and participate in clinical trials for new drugs.“By analysing elemental shifts in hair, especially copper balance, we can detect disruptions linked to ALS in a simple, non-invasive way,” explained the researchers. They emphasised that this method could make ALS diagnosis faster, easier, and more accessible worldwide.Beyond diagnosis, the research also provides new insight into how elemental imbalances contribute to paralysing ALS. Understanding these patterns could guide drug development and open the door to targeted therapies.For now, scientists are refining the test into a reliable diagnostic tool that doctors can use in routine care. If successful, this discovery could transform how ALS is diagnosed, offering hope to thousands of patients and families affected by this devastating paralysing disease.Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or lifestyle change.Also Read: 7 health risks of high cholesterol: Protect your heart, brain, and wellbeing