Patient Stories
The state of neurodegenerative diseases in the United States can be summarized in two statements. First, after more than 100 years, no effective treatments exist for most of the major neurodegenerative diseases. Second, the number of Americans afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease is expected to quadruple to 20 million by 2050 with a huge increase in cost and suffering. The other neurodegenerative diseases are expected to similarly increase.
With this great need and after so many years, why is the situation so bleak?
The ALS Association Golden West Chapter organized a tour of the Taube/Koret Center at the Gladstone Institutes directed by Dr. Steven Finkbeiner. The tour was an opportunity for some the chapter's key stakeholders, including people diagnosed with ALS, caregivers, family members, volunteer fundraiseres and philanthropists, to learn about the groundbreaking scientific discoveries that are being supported by the ALS Asssociation; through annual programs such as the Walk to Defeat ALS, the Napa Ride to Defeat ALS, and other major gifts and special programs.