ALS: A Progressive Neurological Disease

What is ALS?

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive neurological disease that affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control voluntary muscle movement.

Symptoms of ALS

The symptoms of ALS can vary depending on which nerve cells are affected, but common symptoms include:

• Muscle weakness
• Difficulty walking, talking, swallowing, and breathing
• Twitching and cramping
• Cognitive and behavioral changes

ALS is a fatal disease, and most people with ALS die within 3 to 5 years of diagnosis. However, there are treatments available to help manage the symptoms of ALS and improve the quality of life for people with the disease.