ALS: A Theory

APA Citation for Movie:

Bevan, T. et. al (Producers), & Marsh, J. (Director). (2014). The Theory of Everything [Motion Picture].  United Kingdom: Universal Pictures.

I chose to do my second Neuro Note on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or ALS, because it is a condition that I am very much interested in.  As we have been learning more about the disease in class, I realize my interest for it grows.  Also, my media project revolves around a case about a woman with ALS, so I wanted to learn more about the condition and how I can do better for my future project.

The movie I decided to watch for my neuro note was The Theory of Everything, which follows the famous physicist, Stephen Hawking, and his journey through his diagnosis of ALS in his early 20s, to pursuing a long-term relationship with Jane Wilde, who he would eventually marry and have three children with.  The movie follows Stephen's journey as he moves further in his career, not allowing his progressively disabling condition to stop him from continuing his work on the well known "Black Hole Theory".  It also follows how Jane, his wife, dealt with the hardships of being both a caregiver, and a loving spouse and mother to their children.  It shows how she has to put her own thesis on hold to care for him and the kids, and becomes frustrated with the circumstances.

The movie follows the hardships of ALS, not only for the person who is diagnosed with the disease, slowly losing their ability to control movement, but also for the person's family, both immediate and extended.  Jane and Stephen eventually divorced and married new people, but remained friends until Stephen's death in March of 2018, at the age of 76.  He holds the longest recorded time of having ALS at 55 years.  ALS is incredibly debilitating and currently there is no cure for the disease.  The average prognosis for most individuals diagnosed with it is normally 2 to 5 years.  The Theory of Everything showed how quickly the condition can worsen, how it can impact the closest of relationships, and what it takes to stay strong, even through the hardest moments.  The movie is currently available on Netflix, and if you have not seen this movie, I highly recommend you do so.  It places you in a perspective that, thankfully, not many have to go through in their lifetimes.  

UK release poster