ALS Social Withdrawal: Stunning Transformation of Former Athletes
Deeply engaged with their communities, former athletes often garner much respect and admiration for their feats of physical prowess and team spirit. However, a shocking change can occur when these radiant personalities experience ALS, also known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. ALS progression often leads to social withdrawal among these individuals, which marks a stark contrast to their previously vivacious social lives. Today, we delve into the realm of ALS social withdrawal, particularly regarding former athletes.
ALS and its Impact on Social life
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a neurodegenerative disease affecting nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord responsible for controlling voluntary muscles [1]. As ALS progresses, a person’s ability to walk, eat, speak, and even breathe becomes impaired, inducing a change in their social activities [2].
Former athletes comprise a cohort especially vulnerable to social withdrawal due to ALS. These individuals were once at the peak of physical ability and social engagement through their sports careers. Still, ALS’s debilitating effects can cause them to retreat from the vibrant social lives they once led.
The Fall from Fame to Solitude: Former Athletes
Sports shape athletes’ lifestyle beyond their physical health. It instills discipline, teamwork, and a strong sense of community. Thus, the decline brought about by ALS not only impacts their physicality but also their social involvement.
Former athletes diagnosed with ALS have to grapple with their deteriorating physical health, causing a significant change in their social lives. While some choose to tackle their disease head-on and spotlight it to spread awareness, for others, the struggle becomes too personal, leading to withdrawal from the public eye.
ALS Social Withdrawal Among Former Athletes: Case Studies
Let’s examine a few athletes whose lives transformed dramatically due to ALS, focusing on their social lives before and after diagnosis.
Steve Gleason: An NFL player for New Orleans Saints was diagnosed with ALS in 2011. Despite his diagnosis, Gleason chose to live in the public eye, using his platform to advocate for ALS patients. He even went on to launch “Gleason Initiative Foundation” aimed at raising funds and spreading awareness about ALS [3].
Lou Gehrig: Infamously known as the namesake of ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease), Gehrig was a true icon in American baseball. Following his ALS diagnosis in 1939, Gehrig withdrew completely from his active public life. Despite his choice of solitude, Gehrig’s courage in the face of a debilitating disease inspires many till this day as he never shied away from accepting his reality [4].
Understanding the Importance of Social Interaction for ALS Patients
Given the high rate of social withdrawal among former athletes with ALS, it is crucial to underscore the importance of social interaction for patients with this disease. Social interaction can provide patients with a sense of belonging and support, improving their mental wellbeing tremendously.
Final Word
If you or someone you know is wrestling with ALS, the best course of action is to reach out for help, both medically and socially. It isn’t easy to deal with such a devastating disease, but being there for one another can make living with ALS a little easier.
As always, keep in mind the resources available to you. If you have any questions or if you need to discuss your ALS and Real Water case more, please consider visiting the contact page of the site. For more articles like this, head to the blog page. And don’t forget, you can always call our friendly team at 702-385-6000.
Sources:
1. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Information Page. Updated March 17, 2020. Retrieved from [https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Diseases/All-Disorders/Amyotrophic-Lateral-Sclerosis-ALS-Information-Page]
2. Mayo Clinic. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Updated July 20, 2021. Retrieved from [https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/amyotrophic-lateral-sclerosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354022]
3. Gleason Initiative Foundation. About Steve Gleason. Retrieved from [https://gleasoninitiativefoundation.org/about-steve-gleason/]
4. Baseball Hall of Fame. Lou Gehrig. Retrieved from [https://baseballhall.org/hall-of-famers/gehrig-lou]
