amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Amytrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, is a progressive and fatal neuromuscular disease marked by gradual degeneration of the nerve cells in the central nervous system that control voluntary muscle movement.

• Symptoms commonly appear in middle to late adulthood.
• The of cause of ALS is unknown
• There is no known cure

Individuals living with Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS) are affected by a gradual degeneration of nerve cells in their central nervous system. The degeneration of nerve cells leads to an inability to control voluntary muscles, including motor skills controlling hands, feet, arms, legs, and life sustaining functions such as swallowing and breathing. ALS causes muscle weakness and atrophy, usually resulting in death within two to five years of onset.