Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a terminal neurological disorder characterized by progressive degeneration of nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain. Often referred to as "Lou Gehrig's disease" (a famous baseball player who died from the disease), it is one of the most devastating of the disorders that affects the function of nerves and muscles.

ALS does not affect mental functioning or the senses (such as seeing or hearing), and it is not contagious. Currently, there is no cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. 

UAMS Dedicates Thomas May Center for ALS Research

John P. Crow, Ph.D.