Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a rapidly progressive disease that attacks the nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscles. Eventually, patients lose their strength and ability to move their arms, legs and body. When muscles in the diaphragm and chest wall fail, patients cannot breathe without ventilatory support. Most people with ALS die from respiratory failure, usually within three to five years. About 10 percent of patients survive for 10 years or more.

Who gets ALS?

As many as 30,000 Americans have ALS, and an estimated 5,000 Americans are diagnosed every year. ALS most commonly strikes people ages 40 to 60, men more often than women.

What are the symptoms?

The earliest symptoms may include twitching, cramping or stiffness of muscles; weakness of arm or leg muscles; slurred and nasal speech; or difficulty chewing or swallowing.

What causes ALS?

The cause is not known. Research suggests mutations in a particular gene are associated with some cases of inherited ALS. We do know that those who served in the military are twice as likely to be stricken with ALS.

How is ALS treated?

No cure has been found. However, the Food and Drug Administration has approved riluzole, a drug that is believed to reduce damage to motor neurons of ALS patients. Clinical trials show riluzole prolongs survival by several months and extends the time before a patient needs ventilation support.
Source: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

ALS Facts

	ALS is incurable and always fatal
	ALS causes increasing paralysis and results in death from respiratory     failure
	Approximately 30, 000 Americans have ALS in America
	About every 90 minutes someone dies from ALS and usually within 2-3 years of diagnosis
	ALS effects both sexes, all races and most commonly strikes in middle age

For more information about ALS we highly recommend the following websites:

	ALS Association (www.alsa.org)
	Muscular Dystrophy Association (www.mdausa.org)

Knowledge is power!

By learning all you can about the disease you will be better able to cope with ALS and manage its symptoms.

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