Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a serious, neurodegenerative, and fatal neurological disease. Although there is currently no cure for ALS, scientific research is advancing every day. The global wave of awareness sparked by the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge in 2014 gave a major boost to research funding and contributed to the discovery of new genes and mechanisms associated with the disease.
ALS is often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease, named after the famous baseball player who died of ALS in 1941, or Motor Neuron Disease (MND). Notable individuals who lived with ALS include award-winning physicist Stephen Hawking, British historian Tony Judt, guitarist Jason Becker, and bassist Mike Porcaro.
In Europe, ALS affects approximately 1 to 3 people per 300,000. A hereditary form of the disease accounts for 5–10% of cases. However, in the vast majority of cases, doctors do not know the exact cause of the disease.
ALS often begins with muscle twitches and weakness in a hand or foot, or with slurred speech. Eventually, ALS affects the ability to control the muscles needed to move, speak, eat, and breathe.
The disease typically starts in the hands, feet, or limbs, and then spreads to other parts of the body. As it progresses, muscles become gradually weaker until they are paralyzed, and the person becomes trapped in their own body, while their consciousness remains fully intact.
Early symptoms of ALS may include:
- Difficulty lifting the front part of the foot and toes
- Weakness in the lower limbs or feet
- Hand weakness or clumsiness
- Slurred speech or trouble swallowing
- Muscle cramps and fasciculations (twitches) in the arms, shoulders, or tongue
Motor Neuron Disease Patients Association (ALS Hellas)
We are a group of people who know the struggle with ALS firsthand. We support patients and caregivers across Greece, offering information, psychological empowerment, and advocating for rights and high-quality care.
💙 You are not alone. We are here for you.
🧡 Together, we can make our voice stronger.
📍 Contact us:
📞+30 6943470552
📧 Email: [email protected]
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/findacureforALS
🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/103660234
🌐 Website (coming soon): www.alshellas.gr
📍 Headquarters: Athens – Activities throughout Greece
