ALS is a rare neurodegenerative disorder affecting voluntary muscle control. Incidence is 1.6/100,000 individuals per year, with 1 in 400 lifetime risk. Disease typically starts around age 60, with average survival of 2-4 years
Motor neuron diseases affect voluntary muscles through motor neuron degeneration. Includes ALS, PBP, PMA, PLS, SMA, and other rare variants. Can affect both children and adults. Most cases are sporadic, some have genetic causes
Cold Water Challenge started in Tennessee in March 2014 for Madi Rogers' fundraiser. Jeremy McGrath posted first Ice Bucket Challenge video on Instagram in June 2014. Challenge gained mainstream attention through TV appearances and celebrity nominations
ALS is a fatal nervous system disease affecting brain and spinal cord. Disease causes loss of muscle control and gets worse over time. Named after Lou Gehrig, who was diagnosed with it. No cure exists for this fatal disease
ALS affects voluntary muscle movement through motor neuron loss. Disease typically strikes in late middle age, with 1-3 new cases yearly. About 10% of cases are familial, with genetic predisposition possible. Most cases remain unknown, but genetic and environmental factors may play role
FDA approved tofersen for SOD1-ALS treatment on April 25, 2023. Tofersen is an investigational drug targeting SOD1 gene mutations. SOD1 mutations cause protein misfolding in motor neurons and astrocytes