LOC285484
Lou Gehrig's Disease (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)
Description:
Lou Gehrig's disease, also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects the motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. Motor neurons are responsible for controlling voluntary movement. As these neurons die, the individual's ability to move and speak gradually diminishes.
ALS primarily affects adults between the ages of 40 and 70. The disease has no cure, and the average life expectancy after diagnosis is three to five years.
Associated Diseases:
- Frontotemporal dementia (FTD): A type of dementia characterized by changes in personality and behavior.
- Primary progressive aphasia (PPA): A language disorder that impairs speech and comprehension.
- Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA): A genetic disorder that affects motor neurons and leads to weakness and muscle atrophy.
Did you Know ?
Approximately 5,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with ALS each year.
