What is ALS?

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

ALS is one of the most serious and debilitating nervous system disorders. The disease results in the death of nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain. The exact cause of ALS disease is not yet known. Nor are there any drugs that can stop or cure the disease. Patients have an average life expectancy of 3 to 5 years after the first symptoms.

Investigation of cause and a cure
Worldwide, 350,000 people have been diagnosed with ALS.The Netherlands has about 1500 ALS patients. Every year 500 people die, but another 500 patients are added to the list.


Today there are no drugs to treat or cure this terrible disease. No one survives the diagnosis at this time. The need for more intensive scientific research into the cause of ALS must be a priority. With Tour du ALS we raise money for research into ALS.