Med-Alert Systems: Important Features for People with ALS By: Amy Roman, MS, CCC-SLP Many people with ALS require some type of alerting system to gain the attention of caregivers. In my last article, Alerting Systems For The Home, I described various systems to alert a caregiver within the house when you have
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By Melody Fung, O.T. R/L Occupational Therapist 5 Features Power Tilt and Recline: These two functions enable you to perform adjustment of back and hip angles independently. They provide pressure re-distribution and postural support to reduce the risk of skin breakdown. Tilt and recline are also essential
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Exercise: Helpful or Harmful in ALS? By: Robert G Miller MD, Neurologist, Director Sandy McDade RPT, Physical Therapist Melody Fong, Occupational Therapist Forbes Norris ALS Research and Treatment Center We are all familiar with the many benefits of exercise including improved sleep, appetite, mood,
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By Cheryl Patterson, R.D. Registered Dietician. How do I get enough water?? We hear this question frequently at The Forbes Norris ALS Clinic. Hydration is important and can become challenging with swallowing difficulties. Here are 5 guidelines to remember. FIRST, It doesn’t have to be water!
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Video: This ABC news spot features a glimpse at many communication methods from eye tracking on a computer based speech generating device (SGD) to the use of a head mounted laser pointer to target words and letters on a paper communication poster. You will see people who use a BoogieBoard (a light weight LCD writing
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By: Susan Woolley, Ph.D. Neuropsychologist. For a minority of pALS, the disease affects thinking, not just muscles. It is estimated that 15% of pALS experience dementia, which is called Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD). Family members often notice this before the person with ALS. Sometimes it causes dramatic changes
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By Amy Roman, CCC-SLP The husband of one of my patients invented this horizontal stylus about 12 years ago. His wife could no longer isolate her index fingers for typing but she could still move her arms to type. Her other fingers were getting in the way
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By Dallas Forshew, RN. Research described as “clinical” means that the research subjects are human beings. Clinical trials try to translate information learned in laboratories, or in experiments done with animals, to learn how it applies to people. There are four types of clinical research: Observational studies
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By Bob Osborn, RN One of the most common problems that affects people with motor neuron diseases is called dependent edema. This is swelling of the hands and feet which gradually extends upwards into the arms and legs. This is caused because veins depend on muscle movement
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By Susan Woolley, Ph.D. Neuropsychologist. It is common for pALS to feel depressed around the time of diagnosis. For most pALS however, time helps to reduce depressive feelings. Caregivers can also suffer from feelings of depression or anxiety. How do you know when you need help in
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