Eric Dane has been diagnosed with ALS, formerly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
The “Grey’s Anatomy” alum shared the news in a statement to People on April 10, adding that he feels grateful for his family’s support and is fortunate to be able to continue working.
“I have been diagnosed with ALS,” Dane, 52, said. “I am grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter.”
“I feel fortunate that I am able to continue working and am looking forward to returning to set of 'Euphoria' next week,” he continued. “I kindly ask that you give my family and I privacy during this time.”
According to the magazine, Dane is returning to the set of the HBO show for its third season on April 14.
The actor was also recently seen in public for the first time since revealing his diagnosis. He was photographed on the street in Los Angeles.
Dane has been married to fellow actor Rebecca Gayheart since 2004. Gayheart had filed for divorcefrom Dane in 2018. However, just last month, she requested to dismiss her paperwork, according to People.
The couple are parents to daughters Billie Beatrice, 15, and Georgia Geraldine, 13.
What is ALS?
ALS, short for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, according to the ALS Association.
ALS affects nerve cells, or motor neurons, in the brain and spine that control voluntary muscle movements. As the condition progresses, those nerves will have difficulty communicating with muscles. As a result, people may lose muscle control and the ability to “speak, eat, move and breathe” as the motor neurons degenerate, per the ALS Association.
The ALS Association states that most people are diagnosed between the ages of 40 and 70, though ALS can occur in younger people. There is no cure or treatment that slows the progression.
There are two types of ALS: sporadic ALS and familial ALS.
About 90% of all ALS cases are sporadic, says the Cleveland Clinic, meaning the condition occurs in someone randomly and isn't inherited.
About 10% of ALS cases are caused by a gene mutation inherited from one or both parents and is therefore familial.
Dane hasn't shared what kind of ALS he's been diagnosed with.
How rare is ALS?
According to theU.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, recent estimates find almost 30,000 people in the United States may be living with ALS.
The Cleveland Clinic estimates that 5,000 people in the United States are diagnosed annually.
Diagnosis before 40 is rare, and before the age of 55, the condition is more common in men than women.
ALS symptoms
At first, ALS symptoms tend to be mild and get more severe as the condition progresses. According to the Cleveland Clinic, symptoms include:
- Muscle weakness in the arms, legs and neck
- Muscle cramps
- Twitching
- Slurring speech or trouble forming words
- Stiff muscles
- Drooling
- Involuntary facial expressions
- Fatigue
- Trouble swallowing
The average life expectancy for ALS is two to five years after diagnosis, according to the Hospital for Special Surgery. But many people live much longer —an estimated 25% live over five years after diagnosis and 10% live 10 years or more.
