ALS, sometimes called Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive, invariably fatal neurological
disease that attacks the nerve cells (motor neurons) responsible for controlling voluntary
muscles. The sequence of emerging symptoms and the rate of disease progression and
related limitations vary from person to person. Eventually, however, all muscles under
voluntary control are affected and the person loses the ability to move their arms
and legs, and to swallow, speak, and breathe.
There is no cure for ALS. Treatments such as medications, breathing support, speech
and physical therapy, and nutritional support can slow disease progression and manage
symptoms.