Lou Gehrig’s disease, also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), remains one of the most feared and least understood conditions in medicine. It’s a progressive disorder that gradually weakens the muscles and impairs movement.

The Causes: Still Not Fully Understood

Although the exact causes of ALS are unclear, scientists believe it’s linked to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Like a silent storm, it can affect people with or without a family history of the disease.

What ALS Does to the Body

ALS targets motor neurons — the nerve cells responsible for muscle control. As these cells die, the muscles weaken, shrink, and lose function, eventually affecting movement, speech, swallowing, and even breathing.

Early Symptoms: The Body’s Warnings