Here are the symptoms of ALS to be aware of after Grey’s Anatomy star Eric Dane sadly passed away from the disease aged 53 on Thursday (February 20).
Dane first shared his amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) diagnosis in April last year and spoke candidly about the realities of living with the progressive condition.
On Thursday night, his representatives confirmed he had died around ten months after going public with the diagnosis.
“With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS. He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife [actress Rebecca Gayheart] and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world,” the statement said.
“Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight. He will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered always. Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he’s received. The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this impossible time.”
ALS is a degenerative neurological disease that damages nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. As those motor neurons stop working, the muscles they control gradually weaken, leading to a loss of muscle control over time, according to Mayo Clinic.
There is currently no cure, and symptoms typically worsen progressively.
Mayo Clinic notes that ALS often starts subtly, including muscle twitching and weakness in an arm or leg. In early stages, some people may also experience slurred speech or difficulties swallowing.
As per the health site, symptoms of the disease may include:
- Muscle twitching (fasciculations) and cramping
- Weakness in an arm or leg
- Difficulty walking, stumbling, or tripping more often
- Problems with hand and finger coordination (such as trouble writing or buttoning clothes)
- Slurred speech, or increasing difficulty speaking clearly
- Trouble swallowing (dysphagia)
- Weakness in the neck causing difficulty holding the head up
- Shortness of breath as breathing muscles weaken
- Inappropriate laughing or crying, or other emotional changes
- Changes in thinking or behavior in some cases