What is ALS?
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a terminal neurological disorder characterized by progressive degeneration of nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain. These nerve cells control all of the voluntary muscles, including muscles involved with chewing, swallowing and breathing. Often referred to as Motor Neuron Disease, it is one of the most devastating nerve-muscle disorders known.
Basic and Translational ALS Research
UAMS is home to world class ALS research within the Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Science in the College of Medicine. These efforts have been supported by local and NIH research grants as well as philanthropic contributions from many generous donors throughout the state of Arkansas.