What Is ALS Disease? A Medical Complication That Took Eric Dane's Life

Eric Dane, beloved for his role as “McSteamy” on Grey's Anatomy, died on February 19, 2026, after a battle with ALS disease. He was 53. “With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS," his family said in a statement. 

Who was Eric Dane?

Eric Dane was an American actor best known for playing Dr. Mark Sloan on Grey's Anatomy and later Cal Jacobs in HBO's Euphoria. Off-screen, he was a devoted father to two daughters with his wife, actress Rebecca Gayheart. 

What Was Eric Dane's ALS Journey?

Diagnosed in April 2025, Dane chose advocacy over silence. He lobbied lawmakers in Washington in June 2025 and was named Advocate of the Year by the ALS Network just five months after his diagnosis. 

He died ten months after his diagnosis, leaving behind a memoir, Book of Days: A Memoir in Moments, due for publication later this year.

What exactly is ALS?

ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a progressive neurological disorder that destroys the motor neurons controlling voluntary movement. Also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, it gradually strips patients of the ability to walk, speak, eat, and breathe. 

Cognitive function is typically preserved, meaning patients remain mentally alert as their bodies fail them.

What are the Types of ALS?

There are two main types. Sporadic ALS is the most common, accounting for 90 to 95 per cent of all cases, and can affect anyone with no clear hereditary link. 

Familial ALS, making up the remaining 5 to 10 per cent, is inherited and linked to several gene mutations. Identifying the type matters for treatment, as certain therapies specifically target genetic subtypes.

What Causes ALS?

The exact cause of ALS is unknown. Medical experts and researchers believe that the cause could be a mix of various factors related to genetic (mutations), environmental (toxins), or biological factors (like age). 

What Are the Symptoms of ALS?

Early signs include muscle weakness in the hands or legs, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, and muscle twitching. These worsen steadily as motor neurons deteriorate, eventually leaving patients unable to move or breathe without assistance. 

Most people retain full cognitive function throughout. The rate of progression varies, but the direction is always the same.

What is the Life Expectancy in ALS?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, most people with ALS may live up to three to five years after diagnosis. Respiratory failure is the most common cause of death due to loss in neurological functions. Some patients live longer, though cases like Stephen Hawking's are rare. 

How is ALS Treated and Managed?

There is no cure for ALS, but the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved three drugs - Riluzole, Edaravone, and Tofersen. Among these, Tofersen targets a genetic subtype linked to SOD1 mutations. 

Alongside medication, a coordinated team of neurologists, respiratory specialists, dietitians, and speech therapists helps patients maintain quality of life. 

As the disease progresses, feeding tubes, ventilators, and assistive communication devices may be introduced. Gene therapy and stem cell research remain active areas of investigation to better understand ALS.

(With inputs from yMedia)