What is ALS?

"ALS is one of the most common neuromuscular diseases worldwide, and people of all races and ethnic backgrounds are affected." (Wikepedia.org)

What is Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis?

“Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as "Lou Gehrig's disease," is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Motor neurons reach from the brain to the spinal cord and from the spinal cord to the muscles throughout the body. The progressive degeneration of the motor neurons in ALS eventually lead to their death. When the motor neurons die, the ability of the brain to initiate and control muscle movement is lost. With voluntary muscle action progressively affected, patients in the later stages of the disease may become totally paralyzed. Yet, through it all, for the vast majority of people, their minds remain unaffected.”

--Taken from the ALSA website: http://www.alsa.org.

"ALS is a chronic, progressive, invariably fatal neurological disease. ALS is marked by gradual degeneration of the nerve cells in the central nervous system that control voluntary muscle movement. The disorder causes muscle weakness and atrophy throughout the body. In ALS, both the upper motor neurons and the lower motor neurons degenerate or die, ceasing to send messages to muscles. Unable to function, the muscles gradually weaken, waste away (atrophy), and have fasciculations because of denervation. Eventually, the ability of the brain to start and control voluntary movement is lost. However, even patients in advanced stages of the disease may retain the same intelligence, memory, and personality they had before its onset."

- Taken from Wikepedia.com.

Facts About ALS

An average of fifteen people are newly diagnosed with ALS every day in the U.S. – more than 5,600 people a year.
Across the globe, someone is diagnosed with ALS every 90 seconds.
Annually, ALS is responsible for 2 deaths per 100,000 people.
Average life expectancy for patients with ALS is 2-5 years from diagnoses.
Average cost of healthcare expenses for ALS patients can reach $200,000 annually.
It is estimated that as many as 30,000 Americans have the disease at any given time.
Based on U.S. population studies, a little over 5,600 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with ALS each year.