Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Guide For Patients and Families

Comprehensive Third Edition

Edited by Hiroshi Mitsumoto, MD / 2009 Demos Medical Publishing, LLC / 475 pages

Chronic progressive neurological disease

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also called Lou Gehrig's disease, is a disease that attacks the nerve cells (motor neurons) that control muscles. ALS gets worse over time (is progressive). Although ALS cannot be cured, there are treatments that are designed to relieve the symptoms and improve the quality of life for people with the disease. However, patients and their families are sometimes given contradictory advice about exercise, medications, and alternative treatments. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Guide For Patients And Families is designed to address the many issues facing people with ALS.

Comprehensive approach to managing ALS

This book contains chapters written by experts in medicine, rehabilitation, and social work on many different aspects of ALS: what it is, how it affects a person and his/her family, how to stay as healthy and active as possible, members of the health care team who will help, how to choose equipment such as wheelchairs, and end-of-life issues. Sections of the book include:

• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: An Overview
• The Medical and Rehabilitative Management of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
• Living With the Reality of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
• Managing Advanced Disease and End-of-Life Issues
• Where You Can Turn to For Help

Each of the chapters in these sections gives very detailed information, written by professionals with experience in dealing with ALS. The last section also includes a state-by-state list of centers that specialize in ALS diagnosis and treatment.

Recommended resource

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Guide For Patients And Families is a highly recommended resource for anyone dealing with ALS--patients, their families, caregivers, medical professionals, and members of the treatment team.