10 Facts about ALS
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As of November 23, 2009, ALS Canada has a new address and phone number:
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Phone: 905-248-2052   Fax: 905-248-2019

10 Facts About ALS

  1.  ALS is also called . . .
    Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
    Sclérose latérale amyotrophique
    Lou Gehrig's Disease
    Maladie de Lou Gehrig
    Motor Neuron Disease (MND)
    Maladie de Charcot

  2. ALS is a rapidly progressive fatal neuromuscular disease.
    Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
    Nerve cells degenerate
    Muscles are paralyzed
    Generally the intellect & senses are unimpaired

  3. ALS can strike anyone.
    Male or female
    Any ethnic origin
    At any age
    Some have been diagnosed as teens
    Usual onset is in middle age

  4. 80% die of ALS within two to five years of diagnosis
    Some will die within a few short months
    Some people live longer

  5. Some cases are hereditary.
    Less than 10% are familial ALS
    ALS is not contagious

  6. Approximately 2,500-3,000 Canadians currently live with ALS.

  7. Every day two or three Canadians die of ALS.
    ALS is the most common cause of neurological death

  8. ALS strikes the whole family.
    90% of home care is shouldered by family caregivers
    ALS is a costly disease - emotionally, physically and financially

  9. Your ALS Society provides quality care
    Information and referrals
    Support for the person with ALS and their family
    Equipment programs
    Advocacy

  10. The ALS Society of Canada funds excellent and relevant research into the cause of ALS
    Research is our best hope
    Partner with us for a cure – Call 1-800-267-4257