ALS: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

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ALS Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

• Lou Gehrigs Disease

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Lou Gehrig

• 1903-1941
• Played for the Yankees
• The Iron Horse
• Set many records throughout his career
• Died because of ALS which was later named after
  him

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ALS

• Muscles and nerves slowly deteriorate.
• Mind stays fully aware
• Primarily targets cells in brain and spinal cord
• No known cure available
• No known cause (not contagious)
• Many promising research programs

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Symptoms

• Tripping, stumbling, or falling
• Loss of muscle control
• Weakness in hands or arms
• Difficulty in speaking
• Trouble swallowing
• Difficult to breathe
• Chronic fatigue
• Frequent muscle twitching or cramping

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Facts

• Strikes men and women mostly age 40-75
• 5,000 people diagnosed a year
• No boundaries anyone can get it
• Occurs all over the world
• 20 do not live 3 years, 50 of patients with ALS
  live 3 to 5 years, 20 live 5 to 10 years, and
  10 survive 10 years or more.

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Disease

• Difficult to diagnose
• The effects of ALS can be painful (muscle
  cramping, pressure sores, constipation, burning
  eyes, and swelling)
• Assistance devices such as wheelchairs, etc to
  help people live with the disease
• Support groups
• Overall, not much can be done for treatment

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Morrie Schwartz