Facts About ALS

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig's Disease, is an insidious disease, striking the nerves we need to manipulate the muscles we use daily. Roughly 30,000 people nationwide have ALS; more than 5,000 are diagnosed each year. Almost two times more men than women, and 1.5 times more military service members than the general population, are affected by ALS. This disease not only affects the individuals who have been diagnosed, but it also affects their entire circle of friends and families.

Symptoms can range from muscle twitching, to difficulties in walking and holding items, to slurred speech and poor breathing. It affects the major muscle groups: legs, arms, diaphragm and the bulbar region (speaking, chewing, and swallowing). ALS does not affect our sense of sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch; it also does not generally affect the intellect, bladder and bowel functions, or sexual functions.

The age of people who are diagnosed with ALS can range from the 20's through the 70's and 80's; average lifespan from the date of diagnosis is 2-5 years. Most cases are sporadic; 5-10% of cases are inherited. Due to symptoms that mimic many other diseases, time of diagnosis can be lengthy and challenging. ALS becomes diagnosed as a matter of elimination of those other diseases and through tests such as an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and EMG (electromyography).

There is no known preventive measure...no known cure at this time or definitive explanation of the cause.