Doctors say study could unlock new paths to independence for people with ALS

(Aging Untold) — The most challenging chapter of a 40-year marriage started on Valentine’s Day in 2014.

That is the day Dee and Tim Evans received Tim’s diagnosis of ALS.

“Til death do us part,” Dee said.

ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, gradually robbing patients of their ability to walk, talk and even breathe.

ALS has no cure, and at this stage, the disease has severely impacted Tim’s speech and upper body movement.

“Tim has to rely on me more to do things for him, to help him,” Dee said.

However, there is new research showing promise for patients.

At Johns Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore, Tim has found both purpose and hope.

“The more I thought about it, do I just wanna sit at home, do nothing, and die? Or do I want to lend the rest of my life helping others?” Tim said.

Tim volunteered to be the first participant in a study led by Dr. Nathan Crone, who said their focus is to improve the quality of life for ALS patients.

Investigative Reporter Heather Graf shares this couple’s inspiring story.