PATRICK Dempsey has shared an update on his Grey’s Anatomy co-star Eric Dane’s devastating battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). I think he’s been incredibly courageous in the face of this horrible disease.”Speaking to Parade, Patrick continued: “He’s such a wonderful human being. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. An emotional Eric explained: “I have no reason to be in a good spirit at any time, on any given day. It typically affects people between the ages of 40 and 70, like Eric, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.