Probability of Developing ALS

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, has a lifetime risk of approximately 1 in 3,300 in the United States. About 5,000 Americans are diagnosed each year, with roughly 30,000 living with the disease at any given time.

ALS progressively destroys motor neurons, leading to loss of voluntary muscle control, paralysis, and ultimately death, typically from respiratory failure. About 90-95% of cases are sporadic (no known cause), while 5-10% are familial (genetic). Risk factors include age (most diagnoses occur between 55-75), male sex (slightly higher risk), military service, and possibly exposure to heavy metals, pesticides, or intense physical activity.

ALS has no cure, and the average survival after diagnosis is 2-5 years, though about 10% of patients survive more than 10 years. Physicist Stephen Hawking survived 55 years. Two medications (riluzole and edaravone) are FDA-approved to slow progression modestly. Multidisciplinary care including respiratory support, nutrition management, and assistive technology can significantly improve quality of life and potentially extend survival.