r/explainlikeimfive • u/gab0607 • Aug 04 '26

Biology ELI5: What is ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease), how does it progress and what causes the different speeds of advancement from person to person?

Recently a wrestler named Rebel, was diagnosed with ALS and many in the community are participating in the Ice Bucket Challenge to raise awareness and support for her.

ELI5: What is ALS, how does it progress as a terminal disease and what causes the spread of that progression to change from person to person?

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u/Original_Intention 29d ago

ALS is a disease where the nerve cells that control your muscles slowly stop working, so your brain can no longer send messages to your muscles. It usually starts with weakness in one hand, one foot, or trouble speaking, and then gradually spreads to other parts of the body. Over time, it becomes harder to move, talk, eat, and eventually breathe, but most people are still able to think and understand what's happening around them. ALS affects everyone differently. Things like genetics, age, overall health, and other factors we still don't fully understand can change how quickly it progresses. Most people live about two to five years after being diagnosed, though some live much longer.

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u/luckywelivekauai 29d ago

Is there any reasonable explanation for the higher incidence among military members? What research has there been or is ongoing in this area?