Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, the Disease That Silenced the Iron Horse

Understanding Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

ALS, a Devastating Neurological Condition

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive neurological disease that affects the nerve cells that control voluntary muscles. This leads to weakness, muscle atrophy, and eventually paralysis.

The disease was first identified in 1869 by French neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot and became more widely known due to the high-profile case of New York Yankees first baseman Lou Gehrig, who was diagnosed with the disease in 1939.

The Iron Horse's Tragic End

Lou Gehrig, known as the "Iron Horse" for his resilience on the baseball field, was diagnosed with ALS at the age of 36. The disease progressed rapidly, and within two years, he was unable to play baseball. Just a few weeks later, on the morning of June 2, 1941, Lou Gehrig lapsed into a coma and passed away.

Gehrig's diagnosis and untimely death brought ALS into the public consciousness, raising awareness of this devastating disease.