ALS: What Is It? What Took Kenneth Mitchell, the 49-year-old star of “Star Trek” and “Captain Marvel”?

Kenneth Mitchell, an actor from Canada, had been fighting ALS for more than five years.

At the age of 49, Canadian actor Kenneth Mitchell, who gained popularity for his parts in the Marvel movie “Captain Marvel” and the television series “Star Trek: Discovery,” passed suddenly on Saturday. He had been fighting for more than five years against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS.

Mitchell has been living with the crippling neurological ailment for more than five years, according to the news that his family posted on his social media pages. In 2018, Mitchell received a diagnosis, yet his commitment to his work remained unwavering. He kept working, inspiring others with his fortitude and leaving a legacy of noteworthy and varied parts in television and movies.

Viewers initially saw Mitchell in a number of TV series, such as “Miracle,” in which he played a hockey player, and the post-apocalyptic drama “Jericho,” in which he played the lead part of Eric Green. He has had appearances in a number of other well-known television shows, including “Criminal Minds,” “NCIS,” and “Grey’s Anatomy,” which demonstrated his aptitude and adaptability.

About Kenneth Mitchell

Mitchell debuted in the “Star Trek” universe in 2017 and portrayed Kol, Kol-Sha, and Tenavik, three Klingon soldiers in “Star Trek: Discovery.” Later, he provided character voices for “Star Trek: Lower Decks,” enhancing his standing in the cherished science fiction series. In addition to his alluring on-screen persona, Mitchell was renowned for his hard work ethic and commitment to comprehending his roles. He stated that he wished to challenge viewers’ perceptions about Klingons in a 2017 interview with StarTrek.com, saying, “Whether someone is good or bad is all about perspective, and it’s about understanding that culture.”

Personal struggles and a steadfast dedication to art defined Mitchell’s later years. He kept performing, making time for his wife, the actress Susan May Pratt, and his kids, Kallum and Lilah. In order to guarantee his involvement despite his physical restrictions, he even modified his work, declining a main position that would have caused him to relocate for his family and collaborating with the “Nancy Drew” creators. 

ALS: What is it?

Lou Gehrig’s disease, often known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), is a progressive neurological illness that destroys nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. These nerve cells, known as motor neurons, are in charge of transmitting signals from the brain to the muscles, which regulates voluntary motions including breathing, speaking, walking, and swallowing.

These motor neurons eventually degenerate and die in ALS, which causes:

1. Muscle weakness: Usually beginning in the limbs and spreading to other muscle groups, this is the initial and most noticeable sign.

2. Muscle atrophy: The muscles start to deteriorate and shrink as a result of the brain no longer sending them messages.

3. Fasciculations, or twitching of the muscles, are uncontrollably occurring contractions of the muscles that are visible through the skin.

4. Dysarthria, or difficulty speaking: Speech becomes slurred or difficult to comprehend due to weak speech muscles.

5. Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing: This can result in malnourishment and dehydration.

6. Breathing difficulties: Over time, the muscles in charge of breathing deteriorate, necessitating the use of a ventilator.

Although the precise etiology of ALS is still unknown, a number of factors are thought to play a role in its development, such as:

Genetics: Due to particular gene mutations, about 10% of ALS cases are thought to be familial, meaning they occur in families.

Environmental variables: The risk may be increased by exposure to specific toxins or environmental factors.

Atypical protein accumulation: TDP-43 protein clusters gather in motor neurone tissue, causing damage and malfunction.

Regretfully, ALS cannot be cured. Nonetheless, a number of therapeutic approaches can help control symptoms and enhance quality of life, such as:prescription drugs, occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, and respiratory therapy.

ALS is a deadly and progressive illness. After a diagnosis, the usual life expectancy is three to five years, while some people may live longer with the right support and care.