ALS: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

ALS: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Lou Gehrig’s DiseaseLou Gehrig’s Disease

Lou GehrigLou 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

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

ALSALS

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

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

SymptomsSymptoms

• 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

• 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

FactsFacts

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.

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.

DiseaseDisease

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

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

Morrie SchwartzMorrie Schwartz