What is Lou Gehrig's disease?

Answer 1

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also called Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive neuromuscular disease that weakens and eventually destroys motor neurons (components of the nervous system that connect the brain with the skeletal muscles).

Skeletal muscles are involved with voluntary movements, such as walking and talking. The motor neurons transmit the command to move from the brain to the skeletal muscles, which respond by contracting. A person with ALS usually presents with problems in dexterity or gait resulting from muscle weakness, or with difficulty speaking or swallowing.

Sphincter control, sensory function, intellectual ability, and skin integrity are preserved. Patients become paralyzed and often require ventilation and surgery to provide a new opening in the stomach (gastrostomy). Loss of respiratory function is ultimately the cause of death.

Answer 2

Lou Gehrig's disease, also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. It leads to muscle weakness, paralysis, and ultimately difficulty with movement, speech, swallowing, and breathing. There is currently no cure for ALS.

Answer 3

At the time he died, Lou Gehrig was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). His name became synonymous with that condition.