Early signs of ALS as Emily in Paris star Pierre Deny dies following diagnosis
Emily in Paris star Pierre Deny has sadly passed away at the age of 69, following an ALS diagnosis.
The French actor played the role of Louis de Léon, the CEO of a fashion giant called JVMA in the third and fourth seasons of the hit Netflix show alongside Lily Collins.
His castmates have been paying tribute to the actor, with colleague Paul Forman writing: “Heartbroken to hear of the passing of Pierre Deny."
“It was a privilege to work alongside him and to witness his warmth and talent up close, thinking of his family and loved ones. Rest in peace."
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Deny's daughters shared a statement: "It is with deep emotion that we announce the passing of Pierre Deny, which occurred this Monday following a sudden and severe case of ALS."
Early signs of ALS
His death follows the sad passing of fellow actor, Gray's Anatomy star Eric Dane, who also died of ALS back in February.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is more often referred to as Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in the UK.
It can also be known as Lou Gehrig's disease, and is described as a rare degenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.
Sadly, there is currently no known cure for ALS or MND.
The Mayo Clinic reports that ALS frequently starts with symptoms such as muscle twitching and weakness in an arm or leg.
It can also include trouble swallowing, slurred speech and difficulty communicating.
It is a progressive disease, so will gradually worsen, affecting the control of the muscles needed to move, speak, eat, and breathe.
Unlike conditions like Multiple Sclerosis, ALS is usually not painful.
Symptoms most commonly start in the hands, feet, arms, or legs, before eventually spreading to other parts of the body, and muscles weaken as more nerve cells die.
The symptoms differ depending on what nerves are being impacted.
According to the NHS, adults of any age can get ALS/MND, but it usually affects people over the age of 50, and says that ALS typically first presents as tripping and dropping things due to muscle weakness.
Symptoms can include:
- Trouble walking or doing usual daily activities
- Tripping and falling
- Weakness in the legs, feet, or ankles
- Hand weakness or clumsiness.
- Slurred speech or trouble swallowing
- Weakness associated with muscle cramps and twitching in the arms, shoulders, and tongue.
- Untimely crying, laughing, or yawning.
- Thinking or behavioural changes
The NHS advises: "Early symptoms of MND, such as twitches and muscle weakness, can be similar to other, less serious conditions. But it's important to get them checked by a GP."
Jen Thomas