Early ALS warning signs for young people after Eric Dane dies at 53
Grey's Anatomy star Eric Dane has passed away at the age of 53, just 10 months after he announced his amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) diagnosis.
Best known for his role as Dr Mark Sloan, aka McSteamy, his family confirmed the tragic news to People on Thursday (19 February).
"With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS," read a family statement.
"He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world."
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The statement continued to mention the Euphoria actor's advocacy for ALS 'awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight'.
What is ALS?
ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that damages motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord.
As these nerve cells deteriorate, muscles weaken, leading to difficulty speaking, swallowing and breathing.
It's often referred to as Lou Gehrig's Disease, named after the legendary baseball player from the 1920s and 1930s, who suffered from the disease.
While about five to 10 percent of cases are inherited, the exact cause remains unclear. Life expectancy is around two to five years after symptom onset.
Dr Donald Grant, a senior clinical advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, notes that the condition 'generally affects those aged between 55 and 75'.
"While rare, it can still affect young people, so understanding the telltale signs of this condition is crucial for early intervention," said the GP.
Early signs of ALS
Dr Grant says 'one of the first noticeable signs of ALS in young people is muscle weakness, which gradually worsens over weeks and months'.
“It can make it difficult to complete everyday tasks and significantly affect mobility, increasing the risk of falls. Muscles may also begin to twitch, typically in the arms, legs and shoulders,” he added.
“Over time, people may also experience muscle atrophy, where muscle loss occurs and creates visible thinning or shrinking of the affected area.
“Speech may also be affected, as ALS can cause slurred speech, strained voices and difficulty pronouncing words.
“These symptoms should never be ignored, and anyone experiencing them should seek support from a qualified medical professional. A GP can complete a neurological examination to assess individuals, such as an MRI scan.”
Eric Dane’s last interview
In his last ever interview with Tudum, Dane reminded us how important it is to 'cherish every moment'.
During the taping of Famous Last Words in November 2025, he said: "First, live now. Right now. In the present. It’s hard, but I learned to do that.
"For years, I have been wandering around mentally and lost in my head for long chunks of time, wallowing and worrying in self-pity, shame, and doubt.
"I’ve replayed decisions, second-guessed myself. ‘I shouldn’t have done this. I never should’ve that’.
"No more. Out of pure survival, I am forced to stay in the present. But I don’t want to be anywhere else," Dane continued.
"The past contains regrets. The future remains unknown. So you have to live now. The present is all you have. Treasure it."
Topics: Health, Celebrity, Celebrity News
Anish Vij