Message from the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health

ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) Awareness Month

June 2012

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a rapidly progressive and fatal disease that affects between 2,500 and 3,000 people in Canada. It gradually leads to paralysis and trouble breathing, speaking, chewing and swallowing as nerve cells are damaged. This also has an enormous emotional, physical, and financial impact on the family and friends who serve as caregivers.

Researchers do not yet understand what causes ALS and, today, there is still no cure or effective treatment. However, research is advancing quickly and there is hope that continued work will improve therapies and lead to a cure. ALS Awareness Month provides the opportunity to build awareness of the disease, promote understanding of its impact on Canadians, and support efforts to find a cure.

The Government of Canada is providing $15 million for a four-year population study of Canadians affected by neurological conditions including ALS.  This first-ever National Population Health Study on Neurological Conditions is expected to be completed in 2014 and will provide a better picture of the state of neurological conditions in Canada. The study will provide new information about the current impact of neurological conditions and the projected effects over the next 20 years. Information from the study will be used by governments and health stakeholders to develop evidence-based programs and policies.

Supporting research is a priority of the Government of Canada. In 2010-2011, $1.9 million was invested in research on ALS through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

As Minister of Health, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize those Canadians living with ALS, and to commend the health care professionals, family and friends who support and care for them.  I encourage all Canadians to visit the ALS Society of Canada website for more information about this disease.

Leona Aglukkaq
Minister of Health Canada
Government of Canada