What is ALS?
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is the most common degenerative disease of the adult motor system. It causes damage to the motor neurons as they travel from the brain to the spinal cord, called upper motor neurons, as well as the motor neurons that travel from the base of the brain and the spinal cord to the muscles, called lower motor neurons or anterior horn cells. This loss of motor neurons is responsible for progressive weakness and, as a result, people with ALS slowly lose their ability to control their voluntary muscles. Wherever it begins, the disease spreads from one area to the next, leading to weakness in all of the limbs, inability to speak or swallow, and difficulties with breathing. The person living with ALS becomes dependent on others for everything. While ALS is primarily a problem with the motor system, there can be cognitive involvement. Death generally occurs secondary to respiratory involvement, with an average life span of only 36 months.
ALS most commonly appears in people between 55 and 75 years of age, but a person of any age can be affected. ALS affects men slightly more than women with a ratio of about 1.5 to 1. Every year, there are about 20-30 new cases of ALS for every million people and there are about 20 people living with ALS for every million people. This means that across the United States there are about 30,000 people with ALS. While most ALS is not directly inherited, about 10% of the cases are associated with a family history. Researchers have now identified more than 20 different genes that can be damaged and cause the disease. A genetic mutation can be inherited, or it can occur sporadically.
There is no known cause or cure for ALS. While there are two drugs approved to treat the disease, most care is focused on managing symptoms and maintaining independence. Multidisciplinary clinics have been shown to be an effective treatment option. The ALS Hope Foundation supports the MDA/ALS Center of Hope at Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, a unique clinic that provides multidisciplinary care free of charge, reducing barriers to care.
ALS is a brutal disease. The entire family is affected both physically and emotionally by this disease's inexorable progression and almost daily changes in function. Fortunately, there are people and organizations committed to make a difference. You can be part of this community by spreading awareness, advocating and fundraising. When you support the Hope Walks for ALS, you are providing hope to those living with the disease as well as funding research and educational initiatives. Thank you for choosing to make a difference. Together, we keep hope on the horizon.
