What is ALS

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as "Lou Gehrig's disease," is a fatal neuro-degenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. ALS kills these motor neurons. When the motor neurons die, the ability of the brain to initiate and control muscle movement is lost.

As motor neurons degenerate and die, they can no longer send impulses to the muscle fibers that normally result in muscle movement. Early symptoms of ALS often include increasing muscle weakness, especially involving the arms and legs, speech, swallowing or breathing. When muscles no longer receive the messages from the motor neurons that they require to function, the muscles begin to atrophy and become smaller.

• ALS is not contagious and can strike anyone at anytime.

• ALS occurs throughout the world with no racial, ethnic or socioeconomic boundaries.

• The onset of ALS is insidious with muscle weakness or stiffness as early symptoms. Progression of weakness, wasting and paralysis of the muscles of the limbs and trunk as well as those that control vital functions such as speech, swallowing and later breathing generally follows.

• Approximately 5,600 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with ALS each year. The incidence of ALS is two per 100,000 people, and it is estimated that as many as 30,000 Americans may have the disease at any given time.

• The average life expectancy is about two to five years from the time of diagnosis,

• There can be significant costs for medical care, equipment and home health caregiving later in the disease. 

• There is currently only one FDA approved drug, Riluzole, which has shown scientifically to prolong the life of persons with ALS by at least a few months.

Every 90 minutes someone is diagnosed with ALS.  Every 90 minutes, someone loses there battle. Currently, there is no cure for Lou Gehrig's disease. Please be a hero and help by giving $10 or more on your 2011 California tax from, line 414.