Hawking was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), commonly referred to in the U.S. as Lou Gehrig's disease. As ALS progresses, the degeneration of motor neurons in the brain interfere with messages to muscles in the body.
For some, progression can be rapid and for others, it can be slower. Though the rate of progression can vary, ALS is 100% fatal. The life expectancy after diagnosis is 2-5 years.
For about 10% of people with ALS , a genetic cause can be identified. For the rest, the cause is not known. Researchers continue to study possible causes of ALS . Most theories center on a complex interaction between genes and factors in the environment.
The fact that Hawking lived with this terminal disease for so long was unprecedented. His ALS progressed more slowly than expected and eventually burnt itself out [1,3]. His indomitable will and the care he received no doubt also contributed to his ability to survive for as long as he did.
Hawking told the Guardian's Ian Sample that he believed there is no afterlife, and that the concept of heaven is a "fairy story" for people who fear death. He said that when the brain ceases to function, that's it: "I regard the brain as a computer which will stop working when its components fail.
“There's no cure for ALS, but several treatments can control symptoms, prevent complications, and ease living with the disease," Dr. Sabouri said, emphasizing that “ALS management requires a multidisciplinary approach with interventions tailored to disease progression.”
There's no proven way to prevent ALS. Research is ongoing to learn more about the causes and risk factors to help create prevention methods in the future.
Most deaths in ALS occur very peacefully. As the disease progresses, the diaphragm, the major muscle involved in breathing, becomes weaker. Therefore, it becomes more difficult to breathe. Noninvasive ventilators assist breathing and they can be effective for very long periods of time.
It's often called Lou Gehrig disease after a famous baseball player who died from the disease. ALS is one of the most devastating types of disorders that affect nerve and muscle function.
Bean has one of the highest IQs in the world — 178! 🧠🎭 Rowan Atkinson carved his name into history as one of the most iconic comedians on the planet. His legendary character, Mr. Bean — silent, quirky, and sometimes ridiculous — made audiences laugh in over 190 countries.
The over-estimated IQ of 325 for Michael Kearney, for example, was derived from a score of 168 on a Stanford-Binet test designed for children aged 6 or above.
However, a number of factors, including genetics, environmental exposures, and lifestyle/occupational choices, have been linked to an increased risk of developing the disease. Genes and Mutations. ALS in the Military.
The diagnosis of ALS depends on clinical manifestation and EMG, but MRI may help identify supporting features. A careful analysis of susceptibility-weighted imaging should be performed, searching for an abnormally hypointense T2 signal in the precentral gyrus.
The ALS tongue test assesses tongue atrophy, fasciculations, and mobility. Early detection through tongue assessment can lead to timely interventions. Advanced techniques like EMG and automated tracking enhance diagnostic accuracy. The test helps distinguish ALS from other neurological conditions.
Early symptoms may include weakness in the dominant hand, difficulty writing or holding objects, or balance issues and trouble walking when lower limbs are affected. Bulbar-onset ALS, occurring in about one-third of patients, first impacts the bulbar muscles in the head and neck.
Just months after revealing his ALS diagnosis publicly, actor Eric Dane speaks out for the first time in a interview with Diane Sawyer about his health battle, the moment he first noticed the warning signs, and his determination.
