Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness and atrophy. Eventually, it causes paralysis and death, usually within 3-5 years of diagnosis. ALS is named after baseball player Lou Gehrig, who was diagnosed with it in 1939. Symptoms vary but may include muscle twitching, weakness, difficulty speaking, swallowing or breathing. There is no known cure for ALS, but some drugs can help slow progression of symptoms.