Eric Dane, star of Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria, recently announced that he has been diagnosed with ALS. Fans received this news with great sadness, while experts issued warnings about the symptoms of this deadly disease. Renowned physicist Stephen Hawking also battled with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) for years, much like the American actor Eric Dane. This rare neurological disorder damages the nervous system over time, causing difficulties in basic functions such as walking, speaking, eating, and breathing. Although the exact cause of this progressive disease is unknown, there is currently no definitive cure for it. In the UK and the US, the lifetime risk of developing this disease is 1 in 300. While the average lifespan of someone diagnosed with ALS ranges from 2 to 5 years, some patients can live much longer. (Stephen Hawking lived with this disease for about 50 years.)Early symptoms include muscle twitching and cramping. This sensation can also be described as a fluttering feeling under the skin. However, twitching alone is generally not associated with motor neuron diseases. Fatigue, stress, and caffeine consumption can also cause this type of muscle twitching. Constant fatigue is a common symptom in motor neuron diseases. The feeling of energy depletion or ‘exhaustion’ is associated with the gradual loss of function of motor neuron cells. Sleep problems can worsen this fatigue. Stumbling, falling, and struggling to climb stairs may indicate weakness in the leg muscles caused by the disease. Muscle atrophy begins, leading to situations like “foot drop.” Since these symptoms can also arise from other causes, consulting a doctor is crucial. Frequently dropping items, weakness or stiffness in the hands can be indicators of motor neuron disease. This affects the grip strength, making daily tasks more challenging. However, these symptoms can also arise from nerve compression or age-related joint problems. Speech Disorder and Swallowing Difficulty:Weakness in the facial, mouth, tongue, and throat muscles can lead to speech disorders and swallowing difficulties. The sound and pitch of speech may change. Shortness of breath can also accompany these symptoms. Motor neuron disease can affect not only the muscles but also the mental state. Changes in behavior and thought patterns can be observed. Approximately half of the patients may experience such changes. According to the NHS, inappropriate crying or laughing fits may occur in certain situations. Typically, these changes are mild and do not significantly impact daily life.