The Oak Ridge Boys’ Joe Bonsall Fought Bravely Against ALS: Understanding the Disease and Symptoms

Country music fans around the world were recently saddened by the news of Joe Bonsall's passing . The longtime tenor singer of the iconic Oak Ridge Boys died on July 9th, 2024, at the age of 76, from complications of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Bonsall's battle with this debilitating disease became public in January 2024, when he announced his retirement from touring due to a decline in his health. We’re shedding more light on ALS, its symptoms and treatment options.

Who was Joe Bonsall and how did ALS affect him?

Joe Bonsall was a Country Music Hall of Famer and a beloved member of The Oak Ridge Boys, an American country and gospel quartet, for over 50 years. His powerful tenor vocals were a defining feature of the group's signature sound, gracing classic hits like "Elvira" and "Bobbie Sue." In January 2024, Bonsall revealed a four-year-long battle with a slow-onset neuromuscular disorder, later confirmed to be ALS. “I am now at a point where walking is impossible, so I have basically retired from the road. It has just gotten too difficult,” he wrote on X . The disease progressively affected his mobility, forcing him to retire from touring.

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What is ALS?

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease after the famous baseball player, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease . It attacks the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control muscle movement. As the disease progresses, these nerve cells deteriorate, leading to muscle weakness, atrophy and eventually paralysis.

The most common type of ALS is sporadic, making up 90% of cases. These occur at random, with no family history of the disease or genetic cause.

While the exact cause of ALS remains unknown, some risk factors have been identified, these include:

• Age: ALS most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 70. The average age of diagnosis is 55. While the risk increases with age, cases can occur in people in their 20s and 30s.
• Sex: Men are 20% more likely to develop ALS than women, though the difference decreases with age.
• Genetics: About 10% of ALS cases are inherited through a mutated gene (Familial ALS), and in most cases, children of someone with hereditary ALS have a 50% chance of inheriting the gene.
• Race and ethnicity: Whites and non-Hispanics are most likely to develop ALS, but it can affect people of all races and ethnicities.
• Environmental factors: Exposure to certain chemicals or metals in the workplace or at home, military service, and viral infections may be linked to ALS. Smoking may also be a risk factor, especially for women after menopause.

ALS is a relatively rare disease, with an estimated five to six cases per 100,000 people diagnosed in the United States each year. As a terminal illness, the average life expectancy after diagnosis is two to five years, although some individuals may live longer with good supportive care, as much as 10 or longer.

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Signs and symptoms of ALS

ALS symptoms typically begin subtly and worsen over time. Early signs can include:

• Muscle weakness or clumsiness in a hand or foot
• Slurred speech or difficulty swallowing
• Difficulty holding objects or maintaining balance
• Twitching or cramping in muscles (fasciculations)

As the disease progresses, these symptoms become more pronounced. Individuals with ALS may experience difficulty walking, speaking, eating and breathing.

No one test can diagnose ALS. Rather, patients usually undergo a multi-step process that typically involves a neurological examination, electromyography (EMG) to assess nerve function and MRI scans to rule out other conditions.

Treatment options for ALS

Unfortunately, there is no cure for ALS. However, scientists are actively exploring potential treatments that could slow the progression of the disease or even reverse its effects. The ALS Association plays an important role in funding research and providing support for people with ALS and their families. Currently, there are treatments available to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. These include:

• Medications: Medications can help manage muscle weakness, stiffness and pain.
• Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help maintain muscle strength and flexibility.
• Occupational therapy: Occupational therapy can help individuals with ALS adapt to their limitations and continue daily activities.
• Speech therapy: Speech therapy can help individuals with ALS who have difficulty speaking communicate effectively.
• Respiratory support: In later stages of the disease, some individuals with ALS may require respiratory assistance to help them breathe.

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This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan