Lou Gerhig's Disease

Angelo Sciulli Nature Photography

Lou Gehrig's Disease

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), more commonly called Lou Gehrig's disease after the Yankee ballplayer that was diagnosed with the disease. ALS is a degenerative nerve disease that causes the upper and lower motor neurons to die. The result is a loss of muscle control and muscle itself. Initial symptoms can vary from individual to individual but usually start with a noticeable limp, dropping objects and/or speaking difficulties. The disease is so rare that most physicians do not diagnose a patient in their careers. The disease progression is rapid with most patients dieing within 2-5 years of diagnosis. At any one time, it is estimated that there are 30,000 Americans diagnosed with the disease. The cause is unknown and there is no cure.

Primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) is a degenerative nerve disease that affects only the upper motor neurons eventually resulting in paralysis. Although the disease progression is different than ALS, the prognosis is the same. Both degenerative nerve diseases only affect the voluntary muscles. The mind and senses are not affected by the illness.

May is National ALS Month!

ALS/PLS patients benefit from research sponsored by Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), and from various neurological research centers. Charlotte, NC, is home to the Carolinas ALS/Neurological Clinic designed and dedicated to the treatment of patients diagnosed with ALS (PALS). While there is no cure, many things can be done to alleviate symptoms with medical therapies and also with assistive devices. The Carolinas ALS Endowment was established to support the research efforts of the Carolinas ALS/Neurological Clinic.

For more information on these diseases, click on the following links. Use the "Back" button on your browser to return.

ALS March of Faces

ALS Society of British Columbia

Carolinas ALS Endowment

The Muscular Dystrophy Association

Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS) Website

Electronic Publishing

Bob Broedel publishes an email newsletter covering ALS topics. To subscribe, contact Bob at bro@met.fsu.edu .

Mark Reiman is a co-founder and publisher of Incredible People Magazine that has inspirational stories about incredible people living with challenges.

Please note that the images and the articles on these pages are copyrighted by Angelo Sciulli. Reproduction or use in any manner without permission is prohibited.

Maintained by Angelo Sciulli
Last updated: March 13, 2000

Lou Gehrig's Disease
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), more commonly called Lou Gehrig's disease after the Yankee ballplayer that was diagnosed with the disease. ALS is a degenerative nerve disease that causes the upper and lower motor neurons to die. The result is a loss of muscle control and muscle itself. Initial symptoms can vary from individual to individual but usually start with a noticeable limp, dropping objects and/or speaking difficulties. The disease is so rare that most physicians do not diagnose a patient in their careers. The disease progression is rapid with most patients dieing within 2-5 years of diagnosis. At any one time, it is estimated that there are 30,000 Americans diagnosed with the disease. The cause is unknown and there is no cure. Primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) is a degenerative nerve disease that affects only the upper motor neurons eventually resulting in paralysis. Although the disease progression is different than ALS, the prognosis is the same. Both degenerative nerve diseases only affect the voluntary muscles. The mind and senses are not affected by the illness. May is National ALS Month! ALS/PLS patients benefit from research sponsored by Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), and from various neurological research centers. Charlotte, NC, is home to the Carolinas ALS/Neurological Clinic designed and dedicated to the treatment of patients diagnosed with ALS (PALS). While there is no cure, many things can be done to alleviate symptoms with medical therapies and also with assistive devices. The Carolinas ALS Endowment was established to support the research efforts of the Carolinas ALS/Neurological Clinic. For more information on these diseases, click on the following links. Use the "Back" button on your browser to return. ALS March of Faces ALS Society of British Columbia Carolinas ALS Endowment The Muscular Dystrophy Association Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS) Website Electronic Publishing Bob Broedel publishes an email newsletter covering ALS topics. To subscribe, contact Bob at bro@met.fsu.edu . Mark Reiman is a co-founder and publisher of Incredible People Magazine that has inspirational stories about incredible people living with challenges.
Please note that the images and the articles on these pages are copyrighted by Angelo Sciulli. Reproduction or use in any manner without permission is prohibited.
Maintained by Angelo Sciulli Last updated: March 13, 2000