This self-instructional program examines the pathology, signs and symptoms, research, treatment and support approaches for a patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s disease. This disease is characterized by the progressive death of the motor neurons. Constant reinforcement of all of the many things that need to be learned from multiple specialists need to happen as each specific consult occurs. So the nurse or the occupational therapist needs to be somewhat aware of what the speech therapist is offering and support that work. The physical therapist or the dietician need to know a few counseling skills so that when the patient becomes discouraged during their time of visitation, they know what to do. Thus, this course is a “generalist” course, designed to help any specialist understand the basics of the over-all approach. The course provides many specific “how to’s” for each specialty that can be taught to the patient.

1: Review the demographics & possible causes of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

2: Identify the signs and symptoms of the disease, and recognize how the disease usually progresses and how it is diagnosed.

3: Examine supportive therapies from a multidisciplinary approach that can allow the patient to compensate for many of the losses as they progress.

• 3A: Examine approaches to the problem of impaired mobility related to skeletal muscular atrophy.
• 3B: Examine approaches to the problem of high risk for impaired skin integrity related to immobility.
• 3C: Assist in creating a living space that accommodates the patient’s disabilities.
• 3D: Examine approaches to the problem of alteration in nutrition related to impaired swallowing.
• 3E: Examine approaches to the problem of impairment of verbal communication related to dysarthria.
• 3F: Examine approaches to the problems of inability to sustain spontaneous ventilation and ineffective airway clearance related to muscle weakness.
• 3G: Examine approaches to the problems of constipation and sleep pattern disturbance.
• 3H: Examine approaches to the problems of anxiety and depression, or emotional lability.
• 3I: Examine approaches used when the patient needs Palliative or Hospice Care.

4: Identify research efforts in ALS and become familiar with resource associations that can connect the patient to research or provide ongoing information.