Als

Navigating Life with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis provides accessible, comprehensive, and up-to-date information about the challenges patients, family members, and caregivers face when confronted by ALS, a disease that affects approximately 5,600 Americans every year, with as many as 30,000 people managing the disease at any given time. ALS is a difficult disease for the patient and is also challenging for the caregiver and family as there are many questions, issues relating to care, and problems to manage. This guide covers all aspects of managing ALS, from the onset of symptoms, diagnosis, treatments, and coping strategies, to the use of home health care or hospice, and new research in the field. The book also sheds lights on difficult topics, such as end-of-life care and managing legal affairs. Navigating Life with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is unique because it covers two perspectives: one author is a neurologist with 30 years of experience treating ALS patients, and the other author experienced first-hand the issues in providing care for a parent with ALS. Formatted in a question-and-answer style, peppered throughout with patient stories, and with sections devoted to family members and caregivers, this compassionate resource provides guidance to those seeking to understand how to live with this disease.

A diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (also known as Lou Gehrig's disease or motor neuron disease) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that exerts a notorious life-shortening physical toll. Understandably, clinicians are keen to avoid a wrong diagnosis when there are such serious consequences, but any delay in diagnosis can result in unnecessary, and sometimes harmful, interventions, and prevents prompt implementation of much-needed physical and emotional support. Starting from the premise that ALS is not one disease but a syndrome, with a spectrum of upper and lower motor neuron involvement, this highly readable resource examines the causes of diagnostic delay and how to avoid them. With no diagnostic test to confirm the disease, no mandatory investigations and very few plausible 'ALS mimics', the authors take a pragmatic approach to what must always be a clinical diagnosis. With case presentations and teaching points to aid understanding, 'Fast Facts: ALS' will give clinicians the confidence to confirm or exclude a diagnosis of ALS, so that individuals facing this most challenging of conditions can receive rapid multidisciplinary support to maximize the quality of their remaining life. Contents: • Defining the syndrome • Epidemiology and pathophysiology • The first symptoms • Differential diagnosis • Investigations • Emerging diagnostic biomarkers

This volume provides comprehensive background for understanding amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and a critical review of research. It points out the distinguishing characteristics of the disease and testing procedures for reliable diagnosis.

This volume provides an evidence-based guide to the care of people with ALS/MND, including the control of symptoms, the psychosocial care of patients and their families, and care in bereavement.

Carrey Dewey and her husband, Eric, worked hard to build their dream life: a strong marriage, three incredible kids, and a beautiful home. It all came crashing down when Carrey was diagnosed at age 42 with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) - a disease that had no treatment or cure, a disease that is 100 percent fatal. Her doctor told her, "Get your paperwork in order and go make memories." But Carrey, a smart, courageous, and often very funny woman, was determined to do more - to spend what life she had left advocating for ALS research and educating people about the disease.Kickin' ALS is a compilation of Carrey's personal Facebook posts, written from shortly after her diagnosis in June 2014 until just before her death in May 2018. It is a powerful and poignant chronicle of one woman's experience with the disease made famous through the Ice Bucket Challenge.More than 5,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with ALS each year, according to the ALS Association, and it is estimated that at least 16,000 Americans may be living with ALS at any given time.Proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to organizations supporting ALS research and education, as well as ALS patients and their families.

The author, Robert Rymore, had a good friend who was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig Disease. He wanted to be able to help her and decided to buy some books about the disease. To his disappointment there was a lack of good informative books available on the subject. He decided to investigate the subject thoroughly and write a book about it to be able to help others. He decided he would start talking to professionals - doctors, physical therapists, speech therapists and occupational therapists - to learn more. He quickly realized the information he was getting would be extremely valuable for other people with ALS and their loved ones. This book has been a labor of love, one born of necessity and certainly one that aims to help those with ALS, their families, and their friends. ALS symptoms, signs, stages, types, diagnosis, treatment, caregiver tips, aids and what to expect is all covered. Including chapters about financial considerations, famous people with Lou Gehrig Disease and resources. The book is written in an easy to read and understandable style and contains tips for caregivers.

Eliot H. Dunsky, MD, is a retired physician who since his diagnosis in 2009 has been living with ALS, the complex, progressively debilitating disorder commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Determined to maintain the best quality of life possible-for as long as possible-he extensively researched the condition and its management. As he immersed himself, talking to ALS patients and exploring emerging assistive technologies and aids, he realized that misunderstanding of this complicated disease was rife, preventing many from making the most of the precious years left. The result is this compilation of not only his personal experiences as his own condition advanced but also current research and links to additional specialized resources. Its aim is to help other patients learn to live with their diagnosis and navigate the day-to-day struggles associated with it. Appropriate symptom management can help fend off the devastating effects of the disease for a longer period of time. ALS: An Orientation offers a practical guide for patients and their families on maximizing quality of life through strategic care and, importantly, coping with the emotional toll the disease can take. A terminal diagnosis simply means savoring to the fullest the life that is still possible.