ALS Progression

Dr. Richard Bedlack is an ALS neurologist and the Director of the Duke ALS Clinic. He has both an MD and PhD in neuroscience. Dr. Bedlack is an active researcher who has worked with thousands of people living with ALS.

[EdwardGraveline]

I have had it for 6 months and can tell you a positive attitude helps it go slower

[hollyurquizu]

My aunt is suffering from this disease and her progression is speeding up from her diagnosis just a year ago. It’s heartbreaking to watch her deteriorate.😢

[EllaVaderJuniBird]

My mom was just diagnosed with ALS. It’s starting with her voice, eating/drinking the simplest things which immediately make her choke to where she cannot breathe.
She has several times a night where she gasps for air trying to breathe.
She was type 2 diabetes and obese but in the past month has lost 25 lbs. She is losing muscles in the outer appearance in her throat, hands (especially thumb) and starting to lose muscle mad in her legs with tingling in her feet which she says is from diabetes.
She just turned 74 and it’s so hard to watch the most precious soul go through what you know is the worst punishment she doesn’t deserve.
I wish I could take her place. I’m so scared for her. I’m an only child and she’s a single mom so it’s always been just the two of us. I know I will be her primary caregiver because no one else on earth will take care of her the way I will.
This is just happening all too fast for us to get a grasp on the concept and then move into the next stage of building up the strength emotionally and physically.
I promised to be strong for both of us but I cannot control my emotions and tears when I’m alone. Then again I need to excuse myself from the room because I can’t hold back the tears while I listen yo her try to breathe while she is choking on either air, drool or sips of water.
How can I make this easier for her? I love her so much and I’m not sure she knows how much I love her. I tell her all the time but I hope she knows how proud I am of her for everything she has done for us my whole life, how much I admire her work ethic, how much I try to to imitate her “give no fawks” attitude. She’s just my everything.

[nhapril]

I wish I lived closer to you. The best thing is you don't take away a person's hope. I've seen several neurologist and all remind me that I probably don't have a lot of time and to live life. I find it very frustrating. Keep up your great work.

[kellymudd]

My husband was just diagnosed with ALS. What we thought was a pinched nerve in his neck just wasn't the case. He has lost so much muscle mass in his upper body, he can't use his hands like he used to, he's very weak, and gets extremely fatigued throughout the day. He sometimes slurs his speech, if you didn't know you'd think he was intoxicated, he also drools, literally. He goes next week to an ALS specialist so we'll know more about case then. It's so sad to see someone you love go downhill so quickly and there's nothing you can do. When my husband got the news, which was just a week ago, his sister, who has been taking him to appointments so I won't have to miss work, said he was more concerned with me than he was himself. I'm so scared for him cause I know he's gonna have to live through hell 😢

[hlulanizitha]

That's insane didn't know it could reverse

[ktina]

My husband's friend was diagnosed with ALS in 2012 at age 45. He was such an active athletic person all throughout his life, coaching baseball games and playing sports. It was such a horrible disease, and after seeing what he experienced, I wouldn't ever wish this onto anyone, not even my worst enemy! He died a horrible death not even 12 months later.

[JVDV]

My grandmother died of this shitty disease, I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy. If you're here because you think you have ALS, please go to the doctor, the earlier you go, the sooner you'll know and the more time you'll have with your family x

[mariaibarra]

My dad lingered from 1990 to 2008.
He was too ornery to let it take him fast. RIP

[elizabethhenthorn]

My brother was diagnosed late January 2002 and died early June 2004.

[saxyben]

I always say that everyone has their own version of ALS. My mother had sporadic bulbar onset and had it for almost two years. She passed before my eyes on Dec 27, 2011. 😢

[romy]

My twin actually did rebound! She was able to hike 6 miles and balance on one leg for a yoga pose! Suddenly she was looking so much better! That was in August 2019. By November 2019, she was having trouble even walking without someone taking her arm and showed me one thigh muscle gone on one leg and the calf muscle gone on the other leg! She laughed and said that it was why she was having trouble walking! By Dec 2023, she was bedridden and using a walker for just going to the bathroom! I told them to get a wheelchair and although they did not at first...a few weeks later they had to! I made her full length bibs with my sewing machine with huge pockets at the hem, She at first laughed at this but then...a few weeks later she needed it! Told me it was amazing to have them. She went from that hike in August to dying in a hospital just 10 months later!

[vannessaedgar]

My mother just got word from many tests that her condition looks like ALS and I’m trying to find someone for her to talk to. The doctor she went to pretty much said you’re going to die. You can take drugs to help prolong it for a quick minute but you might also die from the drugs and walked out. I am trying to find guidance and to give her some hope to at least stay active and at least not just give up. This is very new and still very raw for our family. My brothers are doing a zoom call tonight just to talk. We live in NorthernCalifornia, East Bay.

[jre]

This man and his team is doing great work

[YourALSGuide]

Hello everyone. We filmed Dr. Bedlack on a variety of topics for Your ALS Guide. Unfortunately, he does not have time to answer individual questions outside of his clinic. You can find more of his videos and trusted information about ALS at

If you are concerned you might have ALS, or need support after your diagnosis, you can search for ALS clinics at and support service organizations at to connect with ALS neurologists and professionals near you. We also have a comprehensive Newly Diagnosed Guide at Hope that helps!

Please note that this video is for educational purposes only. Medical advice can only come from your treating physician.

[kodanis]

My father was just diagnosed with ALS I'm still in shock, but I appreciate the info you've provided

Edit: thank you for the kind comments, my Father passed away from ALS this past February. I'll miss him, but I'm glad he's not suffering anymore.

[publickinterest]

Steven Hawking had MND, not ALS, per UC Davis ALS center.

[bhupalprajapati]

I am from Nepal my farther was also diagnosis with ALS since 8 months. His condition was very difficult. He is not able to walk, not movement of legs and hands, speech problem, breathing problem, they do not do anything. We are given him edaravone injection and riluzole tablet but not any result. His condition was increase day by day .

Now we are discussing do steam cell therapy. Please advice us steam cell therapy is make my father walkable.

Please reply me

[iloveshaakah]

This is the best Dr. On You Tube on this subject.❤

[Bailemos]

My brother has been diagnosed with ALS, his speech is slurred and just a few other minor symptoms.