Eric Dane’s Death Brings New Attention to ALS and Its Devastating Impact

The passing of actor Eric Dane has thrust amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) back into the national spotlight, highlighting the rapid and devastating progression that characterizes this terminal illness. Dane, who captivated audiences as Dr. Mark “McSteamy” Sloan on ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy,” died at age 53, less than two years after his diagnosis.

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, affects approximately 5,000 Americans each year. Despite its relatively low prevalence, the disease carries a grim prognosis, with an average life expectancy of just two to five years after diagnosis, according to the ALS Association.

Dane first revealed his diagnosis in April 2025. In a June interview with “Good Morning America,” he described how his symptoms began subtly as “some weakness” in his right hand.

“I didn’t really think anything of it,” Dane said during the interview. “At the time, I thought maybe I’d been texting too much, or my hand was fatigued. But a few weeks later, I noticed that it got a little worse.”

The actor remained determined in the face of his diagnosis, stating: “I’m fighting as much as I can. There’s so much about it that’s out of my control.”

Understanding ALS

ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that destroys the connection between the brain and muscles. As the disease advances, patients gradually lose their ability to walk, talk, eat, dress, write, speak, swallow, and ultimately breathe.

Early warning signs typically include muscle weakness, stiffness, and cramping. The progression varies significantly between individuals, with the ALS Association noting there is “no single timeline for ALS.”

Importantly, while the disease ravages motor neurons controlling voluntary movement, it spares the five senses and does not affect eye muscles or bladder control. Most patients remain “mentally alert and aware” throughout the course of the illness, even as their physical capabilities deteriorate.

ALS typically affects people between the ages of 40 and 70. While approximately 20% of patients survive five years or longer, only about 5% live beyond 20 years.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Neurologists typically diagnose ALS through electromyography (EMG) testing, though blood tests, spinal taps, MRIs, and neurological exams can also detect the disease. There is currently no cure for ALS or treatment that can halt its progression, though some therapies can slow symptom advancement and provide relief.

Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News senior medical analyst, discussed ALS on “Fox & Friends,” noting that while 10% of cases are genetic, the remaining 90% lack a clear genetic link, suggesting environmental factors may play a significant role.

“It’s a muscle weakness disease — affecting nerves that innervate muscles — and usually it starts on one side,” Dr. Siegel explained. “Then you develop fatigue… You could see a quivering tongue or your arm is quivering, usually one side and then the other side.”

As the disease progresses, it impacts speech and eventually attacks the diaphragm, making breathing increasingly difficult. “That’s what happened to [Dane], most likely,” Siegel said. “So, it progresses from your arms, your legs, your speech, your swallowing ability and then your breathing.”

Advancing Research

While renowned physicist Stephen Hawking lived 55 years with ALS, Dane “probably lived about two years with it,” according to Dr. Siegel, who praised the actor’s courage and advocacy.

“I want to point out how courageous [Dane] is — he actually was involved with Target ALS, where he was fighting for new research,” Siegel noted. “We’re learning to personalize the approach to this disease, and that’s the future — and he fought for that.”

Dane had advocated for increased government funding for ALS research, reportedly requesting $1 billion to advance treatment options. Various research institutions and hospital systems are currently developing personalized therapies for ALS patients.

The financial burden of ALS is substantial. The ALS Association estimates that developing a drug to slow or stop disease progression costs approximately $2 billion, while annual out-of-pocket expenses for patient care average $250,000.

Public awareness and funding for ALS research received a significant boost in 2014 with the viral ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, which raised $115 million for research and patient care. Dane’s advocacy continues this important legacy, pushing for personalized treatments that may one day change the prognosis for those diagnosed with this devastating disease.