Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is diagnosed in a person every 90 minutes, and someone passes away from the disease at the same time. It is a progressive condition that affects the nervous system. Common first symptoms include slurred speech, muscle spasms and limb weakness. The onset of the disease can occur in the later stages of life, including adults over 80 years old.
In aging adults, other symptoms that can manifest include insomnia, shortness of breath and frequent pain. The earlier the diagnosis is made in elderly patients, the better chance they’ll have at a better quality of life. Also, starting treatment at the early stages may slow the progression of the disease. So, it’s important for caregivers and family members to be aware of the symptoms and observe changes int their loved one’s health as time passes.
“Once a patient is diagnosed, emotional support as well as physical health care is very important”, says Ellen Huyser, RN and Director of Nursing for Personal Care at BrightStar Care of Naples/Ft. Meyers. However caretakers and family members should remember that “underneath the physical and emotional challenges due to the disease, their loved one is still the same person and can make decisions for their care and future”, she says.
There are support groups that can help. The ALS Association has chapters throughout the state of Florida including the Ft. Meyers/Naples area. For example, a local virtual support group is held the first Wednesday of each month at 1:00PM – 2:30PM.
They also offer support groups by topic, such as groups for the newly diagnosed or for veterans and their families. Their website als.org contains the information and contacts for joining these virtual sessions, and a directory of their local service team members who run the groups.
In aging adults, other symptoms that can manifest include insomnia, shortness of breath and frequent pain. The earlier the diagnosis is made in elderly patients, the better chance they’ll have at a better quality of life. Also, starting treatment at the early stages may slow the progression of the disease. So, it’s important for caregivers and family members to be aware of the symptoms and observe changes int their loved one’s health as time passes.
“Once a patient is diagnosed, emotional support as well as physical health care is very important”, says Ellen Huyser, RN and Director of Nursing for Personal Care at BrightStar Care of Naples/Ft. Meyers. However caretakers and family members should remember that “underneath the physical and emotional challenges due to the disease, their loved one is still the same person and can make decisions for their care and future”, she says.
There are support groups that can help. The ALS Association has chapters throughout the state of Florida including the Ft. Meyers/Naples area. For example, a local virtual support group is held the first Wednesday of each month at 1:00PM – 2:30PM.
They also offer support groups by topic, such as groups for the newly diagnosed or for veterans and their families. Their website als.org contains the information and contacts for joining these virtual sessions, and a directory of their local service team members who run the groups.