The news that a well -known and beloved actor was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) It has brought back to the forefront a rare but extremely serious illness that many may not know.
Steven Hawking was perhaps the most famous person in the world to live with als. He was diagnosed at the age of just 21 and his doctors gave just a few years of life.
Against every prediction, he lived for over 50 years with the disease, contributing decisively to the science of cosmology. Although gradually lost the ability to talk and move, he continued to work, write and inspire millions of people. His course shows that life with ALS is difficult, but not necessarily without meaning or hope.
THE Eric Dain, Dr. Mark Sloan from the series “Gray’s Anatomy”, announced that it was diagnosed with amyotrophic side sclerosis (ALS). In a exclusive statement to People magazine, the 52 -year -old actor grateful for the support of his family and said he intends to continue working, including his return to the filming of HBO’s “Euphoria” series, playing the father of the family.
Production of the third season of the series begins on April 14, while Dain demanded privacy as he and his family adapt to this new chapter of his life.
We may have heard it for the first time from the famous natural Steven Hawking, but ALS is not a distant, but a very real, progressive and to date incurable neurological disease.
What is als
ALS is a neurodegenerative disease that affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. These cells are responsible for muscle movement. Simply put, the brain gives commands to move the body – but ALS cuts this communication. Muscles begin to atrophy, and the body is gradually erased, while the mind remains clear.
But the toughest is that the patient stays “trapped” in his own body, as he gradually loses the ability to move, speak, eat and eventually breathe.
What are the first symptoms
ALS often starts sneaky. The first signs may be:
- Weakness in hands or legs (eg one stumbles frequently or falls on his hand)
- Convulsions or unintentional spasms in the muscles (myocystics)
- Difficulty speaking or swallowing
- Gradual loss of power and mobility
Who is in danger
ALS may appear to anyone, however:
- Is more common in ages 40-70
- Men have slightly higher risk
- In 5-10% of cases there is a family history (hereditary ALS)
Is there a cure?
Unfortunately, there is currently no cure that stops ALS. However, there are medicines and treatments that can slow down its evolution and improve quality of life. Support from specialist doctors, physiotherapists, speech therapists and psychologists is decisive.
In 2022, The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US has approved a new medicine for ALS (the Relyvrio), which showed some optimistic results.
The power of people
Learning that you have an incurable illness is not easy for anyone. But when this happens to a man of art, we have linked to the roles full of vibrant, the shock is greater. And yet, many of them stand up and choose to speak openly, giving strength to other sufferers and bringing light to a dark disease.
To know the first signs of ALS It can make a difference in the diagnosis and management of the disease. Even if medicine has not yet found the definitive solution, knowledge, support and scientific progress are the biggest allies – and so it is important to continue talking about ALS.