About ALS 

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating, incurable neurodegenerative disease that affects upper and lower motor neurons and that affects approximately 3 in every 100,000 adults in the United States, most commonly between the ages of 40 and 70 years. Degeneration of motor neurons leads to loss of motor control and strength (which affects the limbs, speech, swallowing, and respiration) and ultimately to the need for permanent respiratory support or death. The majority of patients with ALS die within 3-5 years after disease diagnosis.