ALS: The Classic Medical Perspective Podcast By cover art

ALS: The Classic Medical Perspective

ALS: The Classic Medical Perspective

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 EPISODE TITLE: ALS: The Classic Medical Perspective EPISODE SUMMARY: In this episode of NOGGINS & NEURONS: Brain Injury Recovery Simplified, Doro and Deb talk about Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or, Lou Gehrig’s Disease. We covered: What is ALS?Signs & symptoms of ALS including: Affects voluntary muscles-hands, forearms, legs. Early symptoms include: Fasciculations- spontaneous, uncontrolled discharges of motor neurons; irregular twitchings: Muscle twitches in the arm, leg, shoulder, or tongueMuscle crampsTight and stiff muscles (spasticity)Muscle weakness affecting an arm, a leg, or the neckSlurred and nasal speechDifficulty chewing or swallowingDifficulty walking, picking up objects, fine motor tasks Ongoing/Later symptoms:Chewing food and swallowing (dysphagia)Drooling (sialorrhea)Speaking or forming words (dysarthria)Breathing (dyspnea)Unintended crying, laughing, or other emotional displays (pseudobulbar symptoms)ConstipationMaintaining weight and getting enough nutrientsFrontotemporal dementia Dementia that affects the frontotemporal lobe.Affects thinking, talking, walking, and socializing.FTD and other frontotemporal disorders are a common cause of early-onset dementia, often appearing when people are in the prime of life. Families often suffer, as they struggle to cope with the person's daily needs as well as changes in relationships and responsibilities. Risk Factors (National Institute of Neurological Disorders & Stroke)-Having a risk factor does not mean a person will or will not get a disease Age—Although the disease can strike at any age, symptoms most commonly develop between the ages of 55 and 75.Biological sex—Men are slightly more likely to develop ALS than women. However, at older ages, men and women are equally likely to be diagnosed with ALS.Race and ethnicity—Whites and non-Hispanics are most likely to develop the disease, but ALS affects people of all races and ethnic backgrounds. National Institute of Neurological Disorders & Stroke/ALS.orgSome studies suggest military veterans are about one and a half to two times more likely to develop ALS, although the reason for this is unclear. Possible risk factors for veterans include exposure to lead, pesticides, and other environmental toxins. Some studies have also shown that head injury can be associated with higher risk for ALS, but more research is needed to understand this connection.For about 90% of all cases, there’s no known family history of the disease or presence of a genetic mutation linked to ALS.For 5-10% of all cases, there’s a known family history of the disease. This is often called familial ALS. ALS.org In families with familial ALS, there is a 50% chance each offspring will inherit the gene mutation and may develop the disease.Medical treatment-involves medicationsCommon PT & OT interventions Assistive technology & Communication devices OBI – independence with feedingBattery-operated salt & pepper shakersSteady spoon if tremors are presentBuilt up handle utensilsEazy Hold grip aidsUniversal cuffDivided Dish GUS communication devices ALS specific websites & show References orgI Am ALSWinning The FightNational Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke-Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Maintaining Optimal Quality of Life Support groupsProper equipment & Knowledge of useRESOURCES: ALS Association-enter zip code to find assistance in your state. In FL: General Inquiries 813-637-9000 infoFL@als.org Community support groups & counselingTransportation assistanceEquipment loan bank-people with ALS can borrow assistive equipment on long term basisAssistance finding & obtaining community & government resourcesMultidisciplinary medical care under one roofFAAST-FLORIDA ALLIANCE FOR ASSISTIVE SERVICES & TECHONOLGY: org FAAST is a program designed to provide assistive technology to Floridians with disabilities and their loved ones. This program offers a range of activities, including device loans, demonstrations, reutilization, and training, to ensure Floridians have access to the latest in assistive technology. Additionally, FAAST provides information and assistance, as well as a financing program available state-wide. With a commitment to accessibility and innovation, FAAST is leading the way in assistive technology in the state of Florida. CENTER FOR ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY-University of Buffalo The Center for Assistive Technology (CAT) is a non-profit organization that conducts research and provides educational and service programs to increase consumer knowledge related to assistive technology for persons with disabilities.CAT is also the Western New York Regional Center for the New York State TRAID Program, for which it coordinates information on technology-related expertise and resources for people with disabilities. SHEPHERD CENTER-CENTER FOR ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES Atlanta, GA The Center for Assistive Technologies at Shepherd Center helps individuals regain independence after a...
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