International actor Kenneth Mitchell dies years after being diagnosed with ALS

 

International actor Kenneth Mitchell dies years after being diagnosed with ALS

The international star Kenneth Mitchell, actor of Marvel and the Star Trek series, died at the age of 49. His family announced the news of the actor’s death due to complications from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and they confirmed in a statement: “With heavy hearts, we announce the death of Kenneth Alexander Mitchell, beloved father, husband, brother, uncle, and son.” And dear friend.”

 

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The family said in the statement: “For five and a half years, Ken faced a series of horrific challenges from ALS, and in true Ken fashion, he managed to Rising above every injury with grace and commitment, to live a full and happy life in every moment. He lived by the principles that every day is a gift and that we are never alone. His life is a shining example of someone who lived with love, compassion, humor, inclusion, and community. Ken was an inspiring work of art. For all the hearts he touched.

His family also said Mitchell requested that any gifts be directed toward ALS research or to support his children.

Many mourned the international actor. International actress Deborah Ann Woll from the series Daredevil wrote: “I am so sorry,” while Skeet Ulrich from Scream said: “You will never be forgotten!! You are an integral part of the hearts and minds of many. You will always be an inspiration. All My love to you and your beautiful family.”

Mitchell played Joseph Danvers, the father of Brie Larson's character Carol Danvers, in the 2019 film Captain Marvel, played several Klingon roles in the television series Star Trek: Discovery, and voiced the animated series Star Trek: Lower Decks.

In the third season of Star Trek: Discovery, The creators accommodated Mitchell's amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and his need for a wheelchair by giving his character Aurelio a flying chair.

 Star Trek provided an obituary for Mitchell on its website, writing: "The entire Star Trek family sends its condolences to Mitchell's family, friends, loved ones and fans around the world."

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis may be difficult to diagnose early because its symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases. Tests to rule out other diseases or help diagnose ALS include:

o Electromyography. The doctor inserts a needle through the skin into a number of muscles in the body. This test records the electrical activity of the muscles during contraction and relaxation. This test can determine if there is a problem with the muscles or nerves.

o Nerve conduction study. This study measures the ability of nerves to send signals to muscles in different areas of the body. This test can determine whether a patient has nerve damage or not. Electromyography and nerve conduction studies are often performed together.

o Magnetic resonance imaging. MRI, using radio waves and a strong magnetic field, produces detailed images of the brain and spinal cord. An MRI can detect spinal cord tumors, herniated discs in the neck, or other diseases that may be causing the patient's symptoms. Higher resolution cameras can sometimes pick up the same ALS changes.

o Blood and urine tests. Laboratory analysis of blood and urine samples may help rule out other possible causes of the patient's symptoms. Serum neurofilament light levels, measured through blood samples, are generally elevated in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The analysis can help make an early diagnosis of the disease

o Spinal tap, known as lumbar puncture. This procedure involves taking a sample of cerebrospinal fluid for laboratory testing. Cerebrospinal fluid is taken using a small needle inserted between two bones in the lower back. Cerebrospinal fluid appears normal in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, but it may reveal another cause of symptoms.

o Taking a muscle biopsy. If the doctor thinks there is a muscle disease other than amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the patient may undergo a muscle biopsy. Where a small piece of muscle is removed under local anesthesia and then sent to a laboratory for analysis.

o Taking a nerve biopsy. If your doctor thinks you have a nerve disease other than amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, he or she may order a nerve biopsy. In this procedure, a small piece of nerve is removed under local anesthesia and then sent to a laboratory for analysis.

Treatment methods

Treatments cannot reverse the damage of ALS, but they can slow the progression of symptoms. It can also prevent complications and make you more comfortable and independent.

The patient may need a team of doctors trained in many medical fields to provide him with health care, and the medical team cooperates to prolong the patient’s survival and improve his quality of life.

Your doctor may also prescribe treatments to relieve other symptoms, such as:

• Spasms and cramps in the muscles.

• Constipation.

• Fatigue.

• Increased saliva and phlegm.

•     the pain.

•     Depression.

• Sleep problems.

• Outbursts of uncontrollable laughter or crying.

• Feeling an urgent need to urinate.

• Leg swelling.

Treatments

When amyotrophic lateral sclerosis affects the ability to breathe, speak and move, treatments and other supports may help.

• Respiratory care. Most people with ALS eventually have more difficulty breathing as muscles weaken. The doctor may check breathing regularly and provide ventilators to help the patient breathe during the night.

A ventilator with a face mask that can be easily put on and removed is known as a non-invasive ventilator. Some people eventually undergo a surgical procedure to make an opening in the front of the neck that leads to the windpipe, known as a tracheostomy (tracheostomy). The tube is connected Which the doctor inserts into the hole in the artificial respirator to help the patient breathe. While people with ALS who have a tracheostomy tube also sometimes undergo laryngectomy. This surgical procedure prevents food from entering the lungs.

•     natural therapy. A physical therapist can handle the hardships and difficulties of pain, walking, mobility, strengthening, and equipment to help the patient remain independent. Light exercise may help maintain cardiovascular health, muscle strength and range of motion for as long as possible.

Regular exercise also enhances the patient's feeling of health and well-being. Proper stretching exercises can help prevent pain and help muscles perform their best functions.

The physical therapist can also help the patient overcome his weakness by using a brace, crutch, walker, or wheelchair. He may also be suggested to use some means, such as ramps, that make it easier for him to move.

• Occupational therapy. An occupational therapist can help you find ways to be independent despite hand and arm weakness. Modified devices may help him do usual activities such as dressing, personal care, eating and bathing.

An occupational therapist can also help him make modifications to his home to make it easier for him to move if he's having trouble walking safely.

• Speech therapy. A speech therapist can teach him adaptive techniques to make his speech more understandable. They can also help them find other ways to communicate, including using a mobile app, an alphabet board, or pen and paper.

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• Nutritional support. The doctor cooperates with the patient and his family members to ensure that he eats foods that are easy to swallow and works to meet his nutritional needs. He may also choose to have a feeding tube installed if he has difficulty swallowing.

• Psychological and social support. A social worker may come in to help with financial issues, insurance, obtaining equipment, and paying for the devices he needs. Psychologists, social workers, and others can provide psychological support to him and his family

Potential future treatments

Researchers are conducting clinical studies on promising drugs and treatments based on current understanding of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Coping and support

Discovering that you have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis can have a significant impact on the patient's psychological state. The following tips can help him and his family cope:

• Give himself time to express sadness. Discovering that he has a fatal disease that reduces his mobility and self-reliance is difficult. He and his family may go through a period of regret and sadness after the diagnosis.

• Be optimistic. The medical team can help the patient focus on his abilities and a healthy lifestyle. Some people with ALS live longer than the three to five years usually associated with the condition. Some live 10 years or more. Maintaining optimistic expectations helps improve the lives of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

• After physical changes. Many people with ALS live rewarding lives despite their physical limitations. So the patient tries to think of ALS as part of his life, not his identity as a whole.

• Support groups. The patient may find comfort in a support group with others with ALS. Loved ones helping to care for him may benefit from a support group made up of caregivers to other people with ALS.

• The future of medical care. Planning for the future allows the patient to control decisions about his life and care. It also reduces the burden on loved ones. With the help of a doctor, hospice nurse or social worker, you can decide whether you need life-prolonging procedures.

• Participation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis research. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis research is working to find a cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Join clinical trials, provide samples for research and join the National Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Registry. The registry is open to all people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Many institutions also collect samples for research purposes to better understand the disease.