About ALS

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Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Eventually, people with ALS lose the ability to initiate and control muscle movement, which often leads to total paralysis and death within two to five years of diagnosis. For unknown reasons, veterans are twice as likely to develop ALS as the general population. There is no cure, and only one drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) modestly extends survival.

FACTS ABOUT ALS

• ALS stands for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and is more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease
• PALS stands for Person(s) Living with ALS. We often refer to their caregivers as CALS.
• Every 90 minutes someone is diagnosed with ALS, and every 90 minutes someone loses their battle to this fatal disease
• The average life span after diagnosis is 2-5 years
• Military veterans are twice as likely as the general population to die from ALS
• Living with ALS can cost more than $200,000 per year

 

About The ALS Association

The ALS Association is the only national nonprofit organization fighting Lou Gehrig’s Disease on every front. By leading the way in global research, providing assistance for people with ALS through a nationwide network of chapters, coordinating multidisciplinary care through certified clinical care centers, and fostering government partnerships. The Association builds hope and enhances quality of life while aggressively searching for new treatments and a cure.

OUR VISION | Create a world without ALS

OUR MISSION | Leading the fight to treat and cure ALS through global research and nationwide advocacy while also empowering people with Lou Gehrig’s Disease and their families to live fuller lives by providing them with compassionate care and support.