Understanding ALS: The Disease That Claimed Eric Dane

Feb 20, 2026

67 min

Feb 20, 2026 23:30

## What is ALS?

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a rare and fatal neurological condition. It affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle control loss and eventual paralysis. The disease primarily impacts individuals between 40 and 60 years old and is slightly more prevalent in men.

## Symptoms and Progression

Early signs of ALS can be subtle, often starting with muscle twitching or weakness in a limb. As the disease progresses, individuals may experience difficulty with mobility, speech, swallowing, and breathing. While cognitive functions typically remain intact, muscle paralysis eventually occurs, often leading to respiratory failure.

## Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosing ALS is challenging due to the lack of a definitive test. Physicians rely on physical exams, lab tests, and imaging studies to identify the disease. Although there is no cure, the drug riluzole may help extend survival in the early stages. Other treatments focus on managing symptoms, such as using feeding tubes or communication aids.

## Impact and Prognosis

Most ALS patients live between two to five years after symptom onset, though some may survive longer. The disease's progression varies, with some individuals living over a decade. Eric Dane, known for his roles in "Grey’s Anatomy" and "Euphoria," succumbed to ALS less than a year after his diagnosis at age 53.

Read the full story at the source

What you need to know to get Emirates ID?

Leave your details and get a guide as a gift to avoid mistakes

Article contents