About ALS

ALS (short for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease) is a degenerative disease of the central nervous system, characterized by death of motor neurons. This condition results in a gradual, often total paralysis. Death usually occurs within two to five years of diagnosis.  Does not generally affect the intellect or the senses.

There is no known cause or cure for ALS, but advances in medical technology are allowing ALS patients to lead productive lives. Research continues in hopes of discovering a cause and a cure.

Facts and Figures

• Considered by many to be a fairly rare diagnosis, the lifetime odds of getting ALS are around one in 600.
• Every week, an average of two Minnesotans are diagnosed with ALS and two succomb to the disease.
• During our lifetime, more than 7,000 Minnesotans will die from ALS.

Symptoms

• General fatigue
• Muscle twitching
• Cramping    
• Muscle weakness
• Difficulty swallowing
• Difficulty breathing 
• Slurred speech