Respite is a service that provides family caregivers with time away from their caregiving responsibilities. Everyone needs “me” time to relax and reboot - this is especially true for family caregivers, who are often stretched thin emotionally as well as physically by the increased demands illness places on the family. Respite gives the caregiver a chance to meet his or her own needs, which benefits both the caregiver and the care recipient.

Hospice is a model of care that focuses on providing physical and emotional comfort to people who are dying, and on supporting their families, during the end-of-life period.

Nursing Care Plan of ALS.

Decades of research on the neurotransmitter glutamate have produced promising results that could lead to treatment for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Scientists believe excessive exposure to glutamate may be one of the reasons that nerve cells (motor neurons) die in ALS. Preventing the rise of glutamate levels could be the key to protecting motor neurons and impeding the progress of the disease.

Most of the time ALS is not inherited. In about 90% of cases, the person is the only member of the family with the disease. These cases are called “sporadic ALS”. The cause of sporadic ALS is not well understood, but may be due to a combination of environmental and genetic risk factors.

Epidemiology is the study of factors that influence the frequency and distribution of disease, injury and other health-related events and their causes in a defined human population. These studies are done to establish programs that prevent and control the development and spread of disease and injury.

The diagnoses of ALS requires the presence of several factors.

A brain-computer interface (BCI), also known as a brain-machine interface, is a system that allows a person to control a computer or other electronic device using only his or her brainwaves, with no movement required.

Although cognitive and behavioral symptoms were documented in patients with ALS-type motor neuron disease in the late 1800’s, many of us were trained that ALS, and motor neuron diseases in general, do not impact thinking and behavior. Within the last 10 years, there has been a convergence of research on ALS clinical symptoms, neuro-radiographic patterns of pathology, and genetics that have shed important light on the association between motor neuron disease, cognition, and behavior.

Changes in speech are common with ALS and progress over time. Learning about and implementing timely strategies and proactive steps will enable you to maintain optimal communication. Beginning work with a speech therapist (i.e. speech language pathologist or SLP) familiar with ALS at the earliest sign of speech or voice changes, and even prior to changes, can be invaluable. In this article we look at what causes speech and voice changes and the important steps to take at various stages of ALS to insure you can communicate effectively.

Patients who experience swallowing problems often notice that they seem to salivate more. The fact is, they may not be salivating more, but the saliva is pooling in the mouth because of an inability to swallow it. Excessive saliva can be one of the most frustrating symptoms of ALS to manage. It can also be life threatening, since it frequently causes choking, especially at mealtimes when saliva secretion is increased and chance of aspiration is greatest.

A feeding tube is a small, flexible tube, about ¼” in diameter that is an alternative route for nourishment and hydration.

Compiled by the Stony Brook Dietetic Interns and updated 2012

In our work at The ALS Association’s National Office and Chapters, we all encounter a variety of situations involving persons with ALS and their families.

Does ALS cause pain? The answer is yes, although in most cases it does so indirectly. From what we know at this time, the disease process in ALS only affects the nerve cells controlling strength (motor neurons) in the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. Fortunately, these nerves don’t send pain signals back up to the brain.

It is not unusual to notice the first symptoms of ALS in the arms or legs. There may be only a slight weakness or clumsiness in the affected limb at first and the person with ALS (PALS) may be able to go without orthotics until the weakness progresses to a more noticeable level. However, adaptability, comfort, and independence can be greatly enhanced with the proper orthopedic devices and/or products.

Freedom of movement - walking, going up and down stairs, getting off the floor, completing daily activities, exercising—these are just a few of the activities that many of us take for granted and are able to perform without limitation. For an individual with ALS, these often become difficult or even impossible to do. As weakness develops in the legs, trunk muscles or diaphragm, active movement can become limited.

Mucus is a gel substance naturally secreted by the lungs’ cells and glands that lines the surface of airways. The lungs respond to inhaled irritants by increasing the production of mucus.

People with ALS are already at increased risk for respiratory problems associated with viral and bacterial infection, and the flu can deliver a harsh blow. The flu season in just around the corner and can start as early as October, the most beautiful month of the year. The flu can cause decreased appetite and a severe cough, both of which are significant problems for people with ALS. Importantly, about 90% of the deaths due to the flu occur in persons older than 65 years, the same age group of many of our ALS patients. So "yes," you need a flu shot.

Emergencies and disasters can strike quickly and without warning, forcing people to leave or be confined in their home. For the thousands of Americans with ALS, emergencies such as fires, floods and acts of nature present a real challenge. It is important that people with ALS and their family members make plans to protect themselves in the event of a disaster. This needs to be addressed not only at home, but also when away from home, such as at work or on vacation.