ALS is the breaking down of nerves responsible for movement (motor neurons) in the spinal cord and brain
Can paralyze victims, and patients must be under the intensive care of nurses or loved ones patients usually die within two to five years of contracting the disease, but some live longer
The cause of ALS is unknown, nor is it known why some people get it and others don't
The disease start slowly, with one limb (usually hands or feet) and progresses to other limbs
When the muscles don't get the nourishment they need, they thin and slowly waste away
Common symptoms are cramping, twitching, speech slurring, and difficulty swallowing
Earliest symptoms are with the bulbar