What condition is also known as Lou Gehrig's disease?

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. As these neurons degenerate and die, the ability of the brain to initiate and control muscle movement is progressively compromised. This leads to muscle weakness, paralysis, and eventual loss of voluntary motor functions.

The condition is named after the famous baseball player Lou Gehrig, who was diagnosed with the disease in the 1930s, prompting increased awareness and research into ALS. Knowing this context helps understand why ALS is specifically associated with neurodegeneration and not related to the conditions mentioned in the other options, which involve different mechanisms and symptoms.

Multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, and Duchenne muscular dystrophy involve various types of muscle and nerve issues but are distinct in their pathology and the ways they affect the body. Thus, ALS is uniquely characterized by its impact on motor neurons, making it synonymous with Lou Gehrig's disease.