Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

 Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects motor neurons, the nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscles. As ALS advances, motor neurons deteriorate and die, leading to muscle weakness and loss of muscle control throughout the body. Eventually, this degeneration affects the muscles involved in speaking, making it increasingly difficult for patients to form words. Over time, many individuals with ALS lose the ability to speak entirely as the muscles in the mouth, tongue, and throat become too weak to function, a condition known as dysarthria. Communication devices are often used to help ALS patients convey their thoughts once verbal speech is no longer possible.