Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, named after the famous New York Yankees baseball player who was forced to retire after developing the disease in 1939.  Once ALS starts, it almost always progresses.  ALS is a relentlessly progressive disorder. The rate of progression between individuals is variable , different for each individual and the history generally reflects gradual and progressive worsening over time until last stage called end stage occurs. Their are 4 stages to ALS early, middle, late, and end stages.”

MDA Muscular Dystrophy Association