Eric Dane, known for his role in 'Grey's Anatomy', has died at the age of 53 after a long battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a degenerative disease that progressively destroys motor neurons. He had publicly disclosed his diagnosis in April 2025 while filming the popular series 'Euphoria'. ALS is characterized by a gradual loss of muscular control as it affects the neurons responsible for body movement, ultimately leading to severe health impacts and a decrease in quality of life.

ALS is a condition that currently has no known cure, making it one of the most challenging neurodegenerative diseases for both patients and healthcare providers. The diagnostic process for ALS is complicated and often lengthy, taking approximately 11 months to confirm. One of the significant hurdles in diagnosis is the absence of a specific laboratory test that can detect the disease, which makes it difficult for doctors to identify it in its early stages.

The symptoms of ALS can be quite debilitating, commonly starting with respiratory difficulties, problems with speech, and challenges in swallowing, which can severely impact daily activities. As awareness of ALS grows, particularly with public figures like Eric Dane sharing their experiences, it raises the need for more research and support for those affected by this devastating illness.