MEDIA ADVISORY, Sept. 18, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Note To Editors: Stories about the publication of this research are embargoed until Sept. 22 at 4 p.m. ET. These interviews fall within the embargo established by the American Academy of Neurology --
WHAT: Two studies on 1991 Gulf War veterans and amyotrophic
lateral sclerosis, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease
will be published Sept. 22 in Neurology, the scientific
journal of the American Academy of Neurology. The
research finds that the Gulf War veterans have developed
ALS at approximately twice the rate of the general
population. The ALS Association played an instrumental
role in consulting with the government in the decision to
conduct the research.
WHO: Michael Havlicek, President & CEO, The ALS Association
Mary Lyon, Vice President, Patient Services, The ALS
Association
Dr. Lucie Bruijn, Science Director and Vice President,
The ALS Association
Steve Gibson, Vice President, Government Relations &
Public Affairs, The ALS Association
CONTACT: Jeff Snyder
Vice President, Communications
The ALS Association
(818) 587-2220
BACKGROUND
The ALS Association is the only national not-for-profit voluntary health organization devoted solely to the fight against ALS. Commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects as many as 30,000 Americans at any given time. ALS kills brain and spinal cord cells that control muscle movement, resulting in paralysis. The average life span of people with ALS is two to five years from time of diagnosis.
The A.L.S. Association logo is available at: http://media.primezone.com/prs/single/?pkgid=525