Eric Dane, a well-known actor recognized for his performances on "Grey's Anatomy" and "Euphoria," passed away this week at the age of 53 due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease. His death came less than a year after he publicly announced his diagnosis with this neurodegenerative condition.

According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), ALS is a relatively rare disease. In 2022, approximately 33,000 cases were reported in the United States, with projections indicating an increase to over 36,000 by 2030. The disease affects men slightly more often than women, typically presenting in individuals aged between 40 and 60 years.

ALS is characterized by its impact on nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to progressive muscle control loss. As the disease advances, the upper and lower motor neurons become dysfunctional and eventually die, resulting in an inability to trigger specific muscles, which leads to paralysis. Patients may experience difficulties with mobility, speech, swallowing, and breathing.

The precise cause of ALS remains unknown, although experts from the Mayo Clinic note that a minority of cases can be traced to genetic factors. The disease was named after Lou Gehrig, a celebrated Hall of Fame New York Yankees player who was diagnosed with ALS in 1939 on his 36th birthday and subsequently became a prominent face of the disease until his death in 1941.

Initially, ALS symptoms can be subtle, often starting with muscle twitching and weakness in an arm or leg. Over time, these symptoms escalate as muscle function declines. Affected individuals might notice a loss of strength and coordination, particularly in their arms and legs, as well as weakness in the feet and ankles. Cramps and twitching in the arms, shoulders, and tongue can occur, alongside difficulties in swallowing and speaking. Despite the debilitating physical effects, ALS typically does not affect sensory functions like vision, hearing, or touch.

Eventually, the muscles involved in breathing may become paralyzed, leading to severe complications such as an inability to swallow or inhale properly. Notably, respiratory failure is the leading cause of death for those with ALS.

Diagnosing ALS can be challenging as there is no definitive test available. Doctors usually rely on a combination of a physical examination, lab tests, and imaging studies of the brain and spinal cord to determine if a patient is showing signs of the disease. Indicators of ALS may include unusual toe flexing, impaired fine motor skills, painful muscle cramps, muscle twitching, and spasticity, which causes jerky movements.

While there is currently no cure for ALS, the drug riluzole has garnered approval for its potential to extend survival in the early stages of the disease or delay the need for respiratory assistance. Another controversial medication called Relyvrio, developed with financial assistance from the ALS Association, was withdrawn from the U.S. market by Amylyx Pharmaceuticals in 2024.

Palliative care may include medications aimed at managing symptoms, and as the disease progresses, many patients find themselves needing feeding tubes due to choking hazards. Additional aids like braces, wheelchairs, speech devices, and communication systems are also common among those affected.

Following the onset of ALS symptoms, the life expectancy of patients can vary from two years to upwards of a decade. Generally, many individuals live between two to five years after their symptoms first appear, while approximately 20% surpass the five-year mark post-diagnosis.