SERVING

Those That

SERVED

According to the ALS association veterans are approximately twice as likely to develop ALS as those who have not served in the military.  The Institute of Medicine (IOM) has issued a new report from experts supporting an association between military service and later development of ALS. Published reports reviewed by the experts show up to a two-fold increased risk of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease) among veterans deployed in the Persian Gulf War of 1991. Veterans from other eras, dating from World War II to post Vietnam, also appear to be at greater risk of developing ALS.

  

ALS symptoms vary greatly from person to person and is extremely hard to accurately diagnose. 

 

ALS is a very gradual disease that gets worse over time.

According to the ALS Association, the mean survival time for those with

  

ALS is three to five years.  However, many people live 5, 10 or more years.

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

     

     

       

  

Symptoms include:

  • Easily tripping over things
  • Easily dropping things
  • Abnormal fatigue of the arms and/or legs
  • Slurred speech
  • Swallowing problems
  • Muscle cramps and twitches
  • Muscle stiffness
  • Uncontrollable periods of laughing or crying.
  • Light sensitivity
  • Touch sensitivity
  • Posture problems
  • Difficult time holding up head
  • Hearing problems

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)