PPT Slide
It is obvious now that our patients did not have ALS,
BUT in the 1960s our mind set was different.
It was generally acknowledged that the motor neuron diseases
consisted of varying combinations of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
(Charcot), progressive muscular atrophy (Duchenne and Aran)
and progressive bulbar palsy (Duchenne).
These almost always presented in patients after the age of 40
And they often merged into the full picture of ALS,
which led to a shortened life span.
Males were afflicted twice as often as females.