Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gherig’s disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Motor neurons that help make muscles work degenerate rapidly causing patients to lose control and eventually become paralyzed and die.
Those diagnosed with ALS are typically given 2-5 years to live.
There is no known cure for ALS.
ALS is estimated to cost families up to $200,000 per year.
Military veterans and professional athletes are twice as likely to get ALS.
Infographic courtesy of alsa.org.