How long can people with ALS typically live?
Disease description:
My grandfather has been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and he is now experiencing difficulty swallowing. We’re unsure how long he has left to live. In general, what is the typical life expectancy for individuals with ALS?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Li Qi
The life expectancy of individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) depends largely on the quality of care they receive. With optimal care—without complications—the disease may progress slowly, allowing patients to live for many years. Conversely, inadequate daily care may lead to complications such as quadriplegia, oropharyngeal dysfunction, respiratory difficulty, aspiration during swallowing (e.g., choking while drinking), and subsequent pulmonary infection. In such cases, survival may range from approximately 3–5 years, though some patients may live around 10 years.
