Lou Gehrig: The Baseball Legend Who Battled ALS
ALS: A Terminal Disease that Affects the Nervous System
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as motor neurone disease (MND) or Lou Gehrig's disease in the United States, is a rare but terminal nervous system disease that affects the motor neurons, which are the nerve cells that control voluntary muscle movement. As these motor neurons deteriorate, they lose their ability to send signals to the muscles, leading to muscle weakness, atrophy, and paralysis.
Lou Gehrig's Battle with ALS
One of the most famous people to be diagnosed with ALS was Lou Gehrig, a legendary baseball player for the New York Yankees. On June 2, 1941, Gehrig was forced to retire from baseball due to the progression of his disease. Just two years later, on June 2, 1941, he passed away at the age of 37.
Gehrig's diagnosis and subsequent death brought widespread attention to ALS, which was previously a relatively unknown disease. His story helped raise awareness and funding for research into this devastating condition.
Symptoms of ALS
The symptoms of ALS can vary depending on the individual, but they typically start with muscle weakness and fatigue. Over time, these symptoms can progress to:
- Muscle atrophy
- Difficulty walking, talking, and swallowing
- Respiratory and breathing problems
- Cognitive and behavioral changes
ALS is a progressive disease, meaning that the symptoms will continue to worsen over time. There is currently no cure for ALS, but treatments are available to help manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life for patients.
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