Grey's Star Eric Dane Opens Up About Progressing ALS: "Not the End of My Story"
Actor Eric Dane is experiencing mobility issues with his right arm.
The charismatic actor from Grey's Anatomy, Eric Dane, recently shared his struggles with ALS in an exclusively emotional interview with Diane Sawyer of Good Morning America. Dane, now 52, discusses the physical and psychological challenges brought on by the incurable nerve disease.
In a heartfelt confession, Dane admits that his right side has ceased functioning entirely. While this may have started as minor weakness in his right hand initially dismissed as overused muscles, it worsened over time, ultimately leading him to seek medical attention. After a grueling process of being referred from specialist to specialist, the diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) came nine months later.
ALS, which affects the central and peripheral nervous system, has no cure. But it's not all doom and gloom for the 52-year-old. From his Left side, he still maintains partial function. Yet, he foresees the imminent loss of his left hand's use within the next few months. This unsettling prospect adds to his concerns about his legs getting affected soon.
A Grateful Family Man
When asked about sources of support during his darkest moments, Dane doesn't hesitate to mention his wife, Rebecca Gayheart. Despite filing for divorce in 2018 due to irreconcilable differences, they reconciled this year. In the interview, Dane expresses his deep appreciation for Gayheart, who he calls his "greatest support and most reliable helper."
One day before his diagnosis was made public, Gayheart told E! News, "We're the best of friends. We're very close." Dane corroborates this sentiment during the interview, noting their improved bond and shared commitment to being dedicated parents.
What is ALS?
ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, leads to progressive muscle weakness. This rare, incurable disease affects motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, causing progressive paralysis. While the exact causes and mechanisms of ALS are not yet fully understood, no cure exists. Instead, treatments focus on slowing disease progression, managing symptoms, and maintaining quality of life.
Package of care includes:- FDA-approved drugs such as riluzole and edaravone to slow disease progression- Physical and speech therapy to maintain function for as long as possible and support communication- Supportive care that addresses issues like impaired breathing and swallowing as the disease advances.
Despite the grim diagnosis, Dane exhibits resilience, stating emphatically that he views this as a new chapter rather than the end of his story. He continues to focus on the future and his ongoing work, with an unwavering passion for his craft.
Undeniably, his thoughts remain focused on his two teenage daughters. Reflecting on the inevitability of separation as the disease progresses, Dane makes it a priority to let them know they are deeply loved every day. This profound sentiment is rooted in his own painful past, having lost his father to suicide when he was just seven years old.
[1]: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis - Mayo Clinic[2]: ALS Foundation: Revealing facts and hope - ALS Association (https://www.alsa.org/)
- Eric Dane, known for his role on Grey's Anatomy, discusses his struggles with ALS, a nerve disease that has rendered his right side non-functional.
- ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is an incurable condition that affects motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, leading to progressive paralysis.
- Despite the disease, Dane remains hopeful, emphasizing that his diagnosis is not the end of his story and continues to focus on his work in the entertainment industry.
- Mental health plays a crucial role for Dane as he prioritizes spending time with his family, including his two teenage daughters, given his awareness of the eventual impacts of the disease.
- The health-and-wellness industry plays a significant role in Dane's life, as he relies on a package of care consisting of FDA-approved drugs, physical therapy, speech therapy, and supportive care to manage his condition.
- Dane's journey with ALS highlights the importance of understanding various medical-conditions, particularly chronic-conditions like ALS, and the role of science in addressing them, as well as the impact of neurological-disorders on celebrities and pop-culture.
