Transcript ALS: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

ALS: Amyotrophic Lateral
Sclerosis
Lou Gehrig’s Disease
Lou Gehrig
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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
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
Symptoms
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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
Facts
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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.
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
Morrie Schwartz