Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a rapidly progressive, invariably fatal neurological disease that attacks the nerve cells (neurons) responsible for controlling voluntary muscles.
As of today, the cause of ALS is unknown. There are no known preventative measures, and there is no recognized cure.
General Overview
- ALS affects an estimated 15,000 to 21,000 people in the U.S. at any given time.
- About 5,000 to 6,000 new cases are diagnosed each year nationwide.
- The average life expectancy after diagnosis is 2 to 5 years, though some individuals live significantly longer.
Symptoms and Progression
- Early symptoms may include:
- Muscle twitching or cramping
- Muscle weakness in the arms or legs
- Stiffness or loss of coordination
- Slurred or nasal speech
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- As ALS progresses, individuals may:
- Lose the ability to walk, use their limbs, speak, or swallow
- Experience breathing difficulties due to weakened diaphragm and chest muscles
- Require ventilatory support
- Despite physical decline, ALS does not typically affect a person’s mind, intelligence, or memory. Most patients maintain control of eye movement and bladder/bowel functions until later stages of the disease.
Diagnosis
- ALS is diagnosed based on clinical signs and symptoms, often supported by tests that rule out other conditions.
- The presence of both upper and lower motor neuron symptoms in the same region is strongly suggestive of ALS.
- There is no single definitive test for ALS.
