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Euphoria and Grey's Anatomy actor Eric Dane reveals motor neurone disease diagnosis

Eric Dane has revealed he is battling motor neurone disease
Eric Dane has revealed he is battling motor neurone disease

Euphoria and Grey's Anatomy actor Eric Dane has revealed he is battling ALS, the most common form of motor neurone disease.

Speaking to People, he said: "I have been diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). I am grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter."

He added: "I feel fortunate that I am able to continue working and am looking forward to returning to the set of Euphoria next week.

"I kindly ask that you give my family and I privacy during this time."

According to the Irish Motor Neuron Disease Association, there are four main types of MND, each affecting people differently.

ALS is the most common form, involving both upper and lower motor neurons. It is a terminal degenerative disorder that causes people to lose the use of their limbs and the ability to speak, swallow, and eventually breathe independently.

McDreamy and McSteamy - Patrick Dempsey and Eric Dane in Grey's Anatomy

There is no cure. Those with motor neurone disease die, on average, 27 months after diagnosis, but some patients can live for decades.

Dane is married to Rebecca Gayheart, and the couple share two children, Billie Beatrice, 15, and Georgia Geraldine, 13.

The American actor, 52, is also known for roles including Jason Dean in Charmed and as Mark 'McSteamy’ Sloan on Grey’s Anatomy.

Stephen Hawking was diagnosed with a slow-progressing form of the disease at the age of 21 and lived to the age of 76.

It is also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease in the United States, named for the baseball player who was diagnosed with the condition in 1939.

Source: Press Association

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