When it comes to ALS, Dr. Stanley Appel stands as a beacon of hope. For more than 50 years, he has devoted his life to finding solutions for people living with this devastating disease. His journey has not only been one of scientific discovery, but also one of deep compassion.
In 1982, Dr. Appel founded one of the nation’s first ALS clinics at Houston Methodist Neurological Institute, ALS Association Certified Center of Excellence™, which became the birthplace of multidisciplinary care. His vision was simple but transformative—people with ALS should not be treated solely by neurologists, but by a comprehensive team of specialists, including physical therapists, respiratory therapists, nutritionists, social workers, and speech pathologists.
This holistic approach tackles not only the physical symptoms of ALS, but also the emotional, social, and psychological aspects of living with the disease, both for the person who has been diagnosed and those closest to them.
"ALS doesn't just affect the patient, it impacts entire families," Dr. Appel shared in a recent interview at ALS Nexus.
His concept of multidisciplinary care became the gold standard for ALS treatment. Research has shown patients who receive care from a multidisciplinary team live longer, and their quality of life improves dramatically. Dr. Appel’s innovative care model continues to serve as a foundation for clinics worldwide, offering more than just care—it also offers dignity and connection to those living with the disease.
Dr. Appel is often quoted saying: "We fight for every day, for every moment that we can give to patients and their loved ones. And we do so as a team." His approach reflects not only his clinical expertise, but also his profound empathy for the ALS community.
In addition to revolutionizing ALS care, Dr. Appel’s research has been pivotal in our understanding of the disease. A significant part of his work has focused on the role of the immune system in ALS. Early on, he observed that the immune system plays dual roles in ALS—contributing to motor neuron death, while also holding potential as a treatment.
One of his most notable discoveries is that T regulatory cells (Tregs), a type of white blood cell that reduces immune system activation, could be harnessed to slow the progression of ALS. Tregs are decreased in both number and function in the blood of people with ALS, allowing harmful immune processes to occur. So, by restoring Treg function, they can act as a natural defense system, protecting neurons from damage.
Dr. Appel’s research opened the door to immunotherapy for ALS. His clinical trials have shown that increasing the number of functioning Tregs in ALS patients can potentially slow disease progression. "The immune system is not just the enemy in ALS; it can be an ally. We are learning how to tilt the balance in the patient's favor," he explained.
His work is providing new hope for the disease that, for so long, has had limited treatment options. "We may not have a cure yet, but we are getting closer every day," Dr. Appel said. "And when we do find it, it will be because we never stopped pushing forward, even when the odds seemed insurmountable."
Dr. Appel is also excited about the role the next generation of researchers and clinicians will play. "The science is moving faster than ever, and we have a whole new generation of brilliant minds contributing to the field. I am confident that one day, we will have answers where now we only have questions," he said.
Dr. Appel says the support of the ALS Association has been invaluable in pushing research and care forward. "The ALS Association is our biggest ally in the fight against this disease. They fund the research, they support the patients, and they fuel hope. Without them, our progress would be significantly slower," he shared.
He also stresses the importance of supporting organizations like the ALS Association, not just for research, but also for the direct impact they have on patients’ lives. "When you support the ALS Association, you're not just funding a cure—you’re providing care for patients today," he emphasizes. "You’re helping a father spend another birthday with his children or a mother smile at her daughter's wedding."
Through his relentless dedication over the last five decades, he has given the ALS community more than just medical advancements—he has provided hope, courage, and the belief that a brighter future is possible.
For those living with ALS, his career serves as a reminder that no one is alone in their fight, and his message is clear: "We are with you, every step of the way. We will keep fighting until we have answers—until we have a cure."
If you would like to receive monthly ALS research updates, SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter, Research Matters.
To continue to follow stories about people living with ALS in the community and learn more about the disease, subscribe to receive our weekly blogs in your inbox HERE or follow us at als.org/blog.
Join the conversation. Please comment below.