When someone in the public eye is diagnosed with a serious condition, it can spark important conversations. Actor Eric Dane, best known for his role in Grey’s Anatomy, recently shared that he’s living with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease for the New York Yankees player who was stricken with the condition in the late 1930s. If you’ve heard the term but aren’t sure what it means, or if you’re wondering what the early signs look like, you’re not alone.

Whether you’re concerned about your own health or looking out for a loved one, understanding the basics of ALS can help you know what to watch for — and what to do next.

What Is ALS?

ALS stands for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. It’s a rare but serious neurological condition that affects the nerve cells in your brain and spinal cord that control voluntary muscle movement, like walking, talking, and even breathing. Over time, ALS causes these nerve cells to stop working and die, leading to muscle weakness and loss of control.

Most people with ALS live between two to five years after diagnosis, though some live much longer. According to the ALS Association, about 5,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed each year, and it affects people of all races and ethnic backgrounds. Most people who develop ALS are between the ages of 40 and 70, with an average age of 55 at the time of diagnosis. However, cases of the disease do occur in people in their twenties and thirties.

What Causes ALS?

In most cases (90%), ALS develops with no known cause, which is called sporadic ALS. About 5–10% of cases are inherited and known as familial ALS. While scientists are still studying the exact triggers, research points to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. ALS is 20% more common in men than women.

Some studies suggest that exposure to toxins, military service, or intense physical activity may play a role, but more research is needed. What’s clear is that ALS isn’t contagious, and there’s no single test that can predict who will develop it.

Early Signs and Symptoms

The early symptoms of ALS can be easy to overlook. You might notice small issues at first, such as:

• Muscle twitches (especially in your arms, legs, or tongue)
• Trouble with hand coordination — like struggling to button a shirt
• Slurred speech or changes in your voice
• Weakness in your arms or legs
• Tripping or falling more often
• Muscle cramps or stiffness

If you notice symptoms that seem to be getting worse, it’s a good idea to bring them up with your doctor. ALS is a progressive disease, which means it gets worse over time. Catching it early won’t stop it, but it can help you get the right care and support sooner.

Diagnosing ALS can take time because there’s no single test for symptoms often resemble those of other neurological conditions. Your doctor will likely do a combination of the following:

• Neurological exams to check your reflexes and muscle strength
• Electromyography (EMG) to measure electrical activity in your muscles
• MRI scans to rule out other conditions
• Blood and urine tests to rule out other causes of symptoms
• Sometimes genetic testing, especially if there’s a family history

Because ALS symptoms can look like other conditions, it’s important to see a neurologist with experience in diagnosing and managing neuromuscular diseases.

Is There a Cure?

Right now, there’s no cure for ALS — but there are treatments that can help you manage symptoms and potentially slow the progression.

The FDA has approved several medications for ALS, including:

• Riluzole – shown to extend life by a few months
• Edaravone – may slow physical decline in some patients
• AMX0035 (Relyvrio) – approved in 2022, offers hope for slowing progression

In addition to medication, many people with ALS benefit from a multidisciplinary care team, which may include:

• Physical, occupational, and speech therapists
• Respiratory therapists
• Nutritionists
• Mental health professionals

These providers can help you maintain independence and quality of life as much as possible.

Living with ALS

If you or someone you love is facing an ALS diagnosis, you’re not alone. Organizations like the ALS Association and the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) offer support groups, resources, and information about clinical trials and care centers.

Early diagnosis, coordinated care, and ongoing support can make a meaningful difference in your journey. And as awareness grows — thanks in part to people like Eric Dane speaking out — so does funding for research that brings us closer to new treatments and, one day, a cure.

If you have concerns about ALS or notice any of the symptoms described, reach out to your doctor for guidance and support. Texas Health offers a network of primary care providers and specialists to help you live more comfortably. Get started at TexasHealth.org.

Sources:

• ALS Association: www.als.org
• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: www.ninds.nih.gov
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): www.cdc.gov/als
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): www.fda.gov