About Lou Gehrig's Disease
Named after a world-famous baseball player who publicly suffered from the condition, Lou Gehrig's disease is also called ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. This motor neuron disease causes degeneration and destruction of the body's voluntary muscle movement, and according to the ALS Association, around 5,600 people are diagnosed with ALS each year in the United States.
According to the ALS Association, recovery statistics are grim. The average expectancy to survive the disease is between only two and five years from the initial diagnosis but varies by person. However, in rare cases, as many as 5 percent of ALS patients can live up to 20 years and some even see that their symptoms have reversed.
Family
Lou Gehrig's disease affects how patients can interact and respond to those closest to them, because, as the disease progresses, the ability to move many of the muscle groups in the arms, legs and hands begin to diminish. This can make everyday activities more difficult to do independently.
ALS patients may not be able to freely participate in some family activities that they used to, such as going out to dinner, attending a baseball game or getting around on a family vacation. This often results in the patient's family having to change their lifestyle or put important activities or milestones on hold.
Daily Living
Lou Gehrig's disease greatly impacts everyday tasks; brushing one's own teeth and getting dressed independently become increasingly difficult for most patients. As the disease progresses many sufferers may not be able to go out in public without assistance, participate in a sports or meet and interact freely with friends. Some Lou Gehrig's patients may also be confined to a wheelchair.
General muscle weakness and tiredness throughout the body are early symptoms that can instantly cripple social activity. The respiratory system can also be hindered by the disease, which can lead to impaired breathing or, ultimately, death. Mental clarity, intelligence and memory, however, are generally not affected. But ironically, this cognition can have a devastating effect on ALS sufferers, because, as the disease continues to progress, the body literally shuts down, but the mind is completely aware of everything that is happening.
It should also be noted that, according to Studyhealth.com, involuntary muscle movements---such as those controlling the heart, bowel, bladder and intestinal tract---are usually not affected by ALS, so many patients still have control over urination and bowel activity.
Career
The career of those affected by Lou Gehrig's disease can be a major issue. Not being able to maintain the same relationships with co-workers and clients can often lead to depression. Most Lou Gehrig's sufferers will have to quit their job when they can no longer care for themselves independently or walk, talk or write on their own. This social effect may be one of the hardest to deal with because it takes away patients' self worth and financial independence. It may also take away their ability to financially support and care for their families.
