In this proposed study, the investigators will evaluate the safety and efficacy of Lipoic acid in treatment of ALS. The study will recruit 150 ALS patients, then these patients will be randomized to lipoic acid group or control group (75 patients per arm) for 6 courses for about 5 months. Clinical efficacy and safety assessment will be done at screen/baseline, 3th course and 6th course. The specific aims are to compare lipoic acid versus placebo on: (1) Lipoic acid could improve the motor function, delay the disease progression and extend survival time in patients with ALS, measured by the ALSFRS-R Scale, ROADS Scale, upper motor neuron Scale, Muscle strength Scale and Electromyography; (2) Lung function will be collected to prove the hypothesis lipoic acid may help respiratory function. (3) Safety index including blood and urine routine, liver and kidney function, coagulation index will be recorded.
In this proposed study, the investigators will evaluate the safety and efficacy of lipoic acid in treatment of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The study will recruit 150 AD patients, and then these patients will be randomized to lipoic acid group or control group (75 patients per arm) for 6 courses for about 5 months. Clinical assessment will be done at screen/baseline, 3th course and 6th course. The specific aims are to compare lipoic acid versus control on: motor function and disease progression. During the study period, clinical effect index will be recorded, including bulbar function, motor function, respiratory function, and safety index including blood and urine routine, liver and kidney function, coagulation function.