Comprehensive rehabilitative care across the spectrum of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Abstract

Background: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease) is a neurodegenerative disease that results in progressive muscle weakness and wasting. There is no known cure and the disease is uniformly fatal.

Purpose: This review discusses current concepts in ALS care, from breaking the diagnosis to end-of-life care. People with ALS have several multidisciplinary needs due to a complex and dynamic disease process. They benefit from rehabilitation interventions that are individualized and have the goal of optimizing independence, function, and safety. These strategies also help minimize symptomatic burden and maximize quality of life.

Conclusion: Patient-centered, multidisciplinary care has a significant impact on the life of people with ALS and is the current standard of care for this patient population.

Keywords: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; assistive device; braces; equipment; function; palliative care; quality of life; rehabilitation; supportive care.

Figures

Figure 1

A model of person-centered multidisciplinary network of care Abbreviations: MD: medical doctor; PT: physical therapist; OT: occupational therapist; RT: respiratory therapist; SLP: speech and language pathologist.

Figure 2

Timeline of ALS research Abbreviations: C9orf72: chromosome 9 open reading frame 72; iPSC: induced pluripotent stem cells; SOD1: copper zinc superoxide dismutase 1; TDP-43: TAR DNA-binding protein 43.