Actor Kenneth Mitchell, renowned for his roles in “Star Trek: Discovery” and “Star Trek: Short Treks,” has sadly passed away at the age of 49 after battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease.
“Star Trek” actor Kenneth Mitchell has died at the age of 49 after a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Mitchell, a Canadian actor known for his roles in Captain Marvel and Star Trek: Discovery, passed away from complications related to the disease. The news was confirmed in a statement released on his verified Instagram account.
ALS is a degenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing the muscles responsible for voluntary movement to deteriorate due to a lack of nourishment caused by a genetic mutation.
Despite the challenges he faced, Mitchell remained resilient and lived his life with grace and commitment. As stated in the Instagram post, he embraced the belief that each day is a gift and that we are never alone.
ALS is a progressive disease that leads to the degeneration of motor neurons, which transmit signals from the brain to the muscles throughout the body. As the motor neurons die, the ability to initiate and control muscle movement is lost. This results in the loss of voluntary muscle action, leading to difficulties in speaking, eating, moving, and breathing.
Early symptoms of ALS include muscle twitches, cramps, muscle weakness, slurred speech, and difficulty chewing and swallowing. The disease usually begins in the hand or arm, causing difficulties with simple tasks such as buttoning a shirt or writing.
While there is currently no cure for ALS, there are four FDA-approved drugs available to manage the condition and alleviate discomfort. These medications include Riluzole, Nuedexta, Radicava, and Tiglutik.
ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, was first identified by French neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot in 1869. It affects people of all demographics, but studies suggest that former members of the armed forces may be more susceptible due to potential exposure to harmful toxins during their service. However, this has not been definitively proven.
In 90% of ALS cases, there is no family history of the genetic mutation that causes the disease. In the remaining 5-10% of cases, there is a 50% chance of inheritance.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ALS affects the nerve cells that control muscle movement in both the upper and lower parts of the body. The disease causes these nerve cells to stop functioning and eventually die.
In the United States, it is estimated that over 30,000 people are living with ALS, and approximately 5,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. Most individuals with ALS survive for two to five years after the onset of symptoms.