about ALS
ALS was first described in medical literature in 1869 by Jean-Martin Charcot, a French neurologist and professor of anatomical pathology.
ALS stands for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. It is a fatal, neurodegenerative disease that attacks the body's motor neurons. Motor neurons allow the brain to communicate with muscles throughout the body. Once ALS strikes, the patient becomes slowly paralyzed to death while their mind typically remains unaffected.
ALS is one of the most common neuromuscular diseases worldwide. Around 5600 people develop ALS each year. ALS most commonly strikes people between 40 and 60 years of age, but younger and older people can also develop the disease. Around 30,000 Americans have ALS at any one time.
resources
lesturnerals.org
Since 1977, the Les Turner ALS Foundation has been Chicagoland's leader in patient services, research, and education for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), better known as Lou Gehrig's disease, and other motor neuron diseases (MND).
alsachicago.org
ALSA's mission is to lead the fight to cure and treat ALS through global, cutting-edge research, and to empower people with Lou Gehrig's Disease and their families to live fuller lives by providing them with compassionate care and support.
ALS Military Research
A collection of research investigating the link between ALS and military service.
Project ALS
Project ALS has raised over $30 million, directing 81% to research programs. Proceeds go to support investigations in Genetics, Drug Discovery, Stem Cells, and Disease Pathways.
ALS Therapy Development Institute
The ALS Therapy Development Institute is a nonprofit biotechnology company discovering treatments for patients alive today. Our approach combines the power of a nonprofit mission with the best practices of a for-profit biotechnology company: rigorous, open-minded research and proven drug development techniques.
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