Tools and talk: an evolutionary perspective on the functional deficits associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Topic: Brain proteins, microglia and lab models

We propose that amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and frontotemporal dementia may be viewed as a failure of interlinked functional complexes having their origins in key evolutionary adaptations. We discuss how hand-arm function, locomotion, brainstem function (involving vocalization/speech, swallowing and breathing), and cognitive impairment share complex, interdependent evolutionary adaptations that can be traced back several million years. Fine movements of the hand facilitated tool-making and use enhanced by development of bipedalism. Development of the larynx and integration of respiratory control were central to vocalization, which when combined with gesture are intermediary to human language. These adaptations were accompanied by progressive encephalization, with development of Theory of Mind to facilitate socialization. The varied clinical phenotypes of ALS can thus be understood in the context of inter-related functional complexes that subserve "Tools and Talk"; they have a long evolutionary history and are related to specific developmental neural and gene networks.

Key findings

• We discuss how hand-arm function, locomotion, brainstem function (involving vocalization/speech, swallowing and breathing), and cognitive impairment share complex, interdependent evolutionary adaptations that can be traced back several million years.
• Fine movements of the hand facilitated tool-making and use enhanced by development of bipedalism.
• Development of the larynx and integration of respiratory control were central to vocalization, which when combined with gesture are intermediary to human language.
• These adaptations were accompanied by progressive encephalization, with development of Theory of Mind to facilitate socialization.
• The varied clinical phenotypes of ALS can thus be understood in the context of inter-related functional complexes that subserve "Tools and Talk"; they have a long evolutionary history and are related to specific developmental neural and gene networks.

Why it matters

This paper proposes that amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia can be viewed as a failure of interlinked functional complexes with origins in evolutionary adaptations related to hand-arm function, locomotion, brainstem function and cognition. It is a theoretical evolutionary perspective and reports no treatment, cure or prevention.

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Study details

• Evidence strengthLow

Read the original

• DOI: 10.1002/mus.24132
• PubMed: 24273101
• Original source →

May need a subscription OpenAlex found no free copy of the full text (checked 6 Feb 1020), so the publisher may charge for it. The PubMed abstract is free.

@article{eisen2014-24273101,
  author  = {Eisen, A. and Turner, M. R. and Lemon, R.},
  title   = {{Tools and talk: an evolutionary perspective on the functional deficits associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis}},
  journal = {Muscle \& nerve},
  year    = {2014},
  doi     = {10.1002/mus.24132},
  pmid    = {24273101},
  url     = {https://doi.org/10.1002/mus.24132}
}

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• A hexanucleotide repeat expansion in C9ORF72 is the cause of chromosome 9p21-linked ALS-FTD Neuron · 2011-09-21 · usefulness score 63/100 · Lewy body dementia
• Ubiquitinated TDP-43 in frontotemporal lobar degeneration and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Science (New York, N.Y.) · 2006-10-01 · usefulness score 62/100 · Lewy body dementia
• Expanded GGGGCC hexanucleotide repeat in noncoding region of C9ORF72 causes chromosome 9p-linked FTD and ALS Neuron · 2011-09-21 · usefulness score 62/100 · Lewy body dementia
• The syndrome of cognitive impairment in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a population-based study Journal of neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry · 2011-08-11 · usefulness score 55/100 · Getting a diagnosis

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