The special recognition identifies the facility as among the nation's 11 best locations for research and comprehensive medical care for people living with the aggressive muscle-wasting disorder and other neuromuscular diseases. ALS affects some 30,000 Americans. It is a progressive, degenerative motor neuron disease causing deterioration of muscles and nerves leading to almost total paralysis. ALS generally strikes adults between 40 and 60 years of age.
Life expectancy is typically two to five years after diagnosis.
Missourians and Americans across the country have and will continue to benefit from the exceptional research program and exemplary patient care at our Washington University center. Alan Pestronk, M.D., professor of neurology and pathology, heads Washington University's neuromuscular diseases program. Our clinic involves medical specialists and people who can provide advice regarding physical and occupational therapy, orthotics, nutrition, social work and medical equipment. The program also participates in clinical trials that test the latest ideas about ALS treatment. And Pestronk focuses on treatable disorders that may be confused with ALS, developing better methods for diagnosis and therapy.