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ALS, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

 

 The recent ALS ice bucket challenge has dramatically increased research funding and awareness of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. But it’s still difficult for the general population to truly understand how devastating the disease is to ALS patients, as well as their families and friends. ALS strikes about 5,000 Americans each year, 90% of people with ALS die within three to five years, and there is no known cure for the disease. Joining us to look at what we do know about ALS, and what life is like for someone who has the disease, are Dr. Robert Neel, a neurologist with the University of Cincinnati Neuroscience Institute and director of the UC Health ALS Clinic, and Yvonne Dressman, an ALS Association care coordinator.

Maryanne Zeleznik is responsible for all news and public affairs programming at WVXU. She also hosts Morning Edition Monday through Friday.