Lou Gehrig's disease affects the body's central nervous system by attacking neurons and causing them to waste away. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that as many 30,000 people in the U.S. are affected by Lou Gehrig's disease. The disease has an impact on the patient as well as his family and friends. While rare, there is no cure and the disease can take a life much too soon.
Lou Gehrig's Disease
Lou Gehrig's disease is also referred to as ALS or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The cause of ALS is unknown although in rare cases it can be traced back to a genetic defect. Symptoms of Lou Gehrig's disease often starts off subtly, with muscle weakness and twitching. Over time, the body is unable to send messages to the muscles. The arms and legs are often the first to be affected by ALS. Eventually all muscles fail to work properly -- preventing the chest from being able to inhale and exhale properly. Ultimately, breathing and swallowing are affected while all of the body's senses are left intact. Lou Gehrig's often strikes early on in age, generally around age 50, although it can occur with younger people. The disease has an impact on U.S. research and development for a cure, specifically with the ALS Association and the National ALS Registry -- which collects critical information to help researchers work closer at finding a cure.
Lou Gehrig
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis has the biggest impact in the U.S. due to being named after a major world famous base player who was stricken with the disease. Lou Gehrig has a long list of American accomplishments throughout his baseball career, including hitting four home runs in just one game in 1932, the only player to drive more than 500 runs in just three years, holding a world record for the most grand slams of 23 in his career and becoming the first athlete to have his jersey number retired. Gehrig was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1939, after being diagnosed with the progressive neurological illness -- amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Despite the deadly and crippling condition taking over his body, Gehrig delivered one of the most world renowned emotional speeches in baseball history "I might have had a tough break, but I have an awful lot to live for." Gehrig succumbed to ALS on June 2, 1941.
Health Care
Health care is impacted in the U.S. due to the cost of ALS patient care. The Nebraska Coalition for Lifesaving Cures estimates that caring for a patient with Lou Gehrig's disease can reach up to $200,000 annually. These costs can be even higher if the patient does not have medical insurance or has to pay for durable medical equipment out of pocket.
Effects
The impact of Lou Gehrig's disease in America on family and friends can take a physical and emotional toll. The ALS patient will no longer be able to be physically dependent once the disease progresses. ALS ravages the body quickly, requiring around-the-clock care including nursing and hospice services. The average life expectancy is around two to five years after initial diagnosis. Lou Gehrig's disease is particularly heart wrenching for family members because the patient is completely coherent and aware of his surroundings as the muscles in his body completely stop functioning.
