Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive, fatal disease that attacks nerve cells and pathways in the brain and spinal cord causing the body's motor neurons to waste away. The result is progressive muscle weakness and incoordination, causing difficulty with mobility, speaking, swallowing and breathing.

ALS attacks 1 in 1000 people without warning or cause, and the median survival time is three to five years. However, with the proper medication, education, and therapy, we can minimize suffering from this disease, and allow patients to lead more autonomous lives.

This is the mission of the ALS Center at UCSF, which is unequaled in scientific quality, clinical breadth and depth, compassionate, professionally advanced care and the aggressive development and application of new, effective treatments.