- Although still not completely understood, ALS dates back to the 19th century. It became widely known in the U.S. when Major League Baseball star Lou Gehrig, of the New York Yankees, was diagnosed with the disease in 1939. He died in 1941. Today, about 5,600 people are diagnosed with ALS each year and close to 30,000 live with the disease in the U.S.
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A significant number of initial ALS symptoms are sometimes difficult to detect and often mimic those of pulled muscles and cramps. Over time, however, symptoms become marked by slurred speech and noticeable atrophy and weakening in the limbs. Advanced symptoms include severe twitching and the inability to use limbs. Breathing difficulties are also common.
Although official, definitive diagnostic tests that recognize ALS do not exist, the disease is usually diagnosed by the observation of upper and lower motor neuron damage and the ruling out of other diseases. - While ALS is usually fatal, doctors are continually experimenting with several drugs to treat it. While an array of drugs exist, many are neuroprotective medications (such as Riluzole), prescribed to prevent further damage to neurotransmitters. No cure exists for ALS in 2009.
- As ALS research continues, the need for occupational treatment is also increasing. Doctors commonly call on speech and physical therapists, nutritionists, alternative medical professionals and in-home care givers to improve the lives of ALS patients while they battle the disease.
- There is no known cause of ALS. Researchers do believe, based on studies, that ALS can be linked to exposure to heavy metals, immune system problems and prior disruption of nerve fibers (prior surgeries, accidents). Whether the disease is hereditary is not conclusive. ALS is common in men between the ages of 40 and 70 and about 20 percent more common in men than women.
