Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or ALS is a progressive and ultimately deadly disease. Sadly, there are extremely few treatment options available for people with ALS (PALS). The only approved drug that can treat ALS, riluzole, only extends survival for a few months. Other drugs have failed to make a measurable impact on survival in clinical trials. Therefore, it is understandable that PALS and their caregivers often turn to alternative and complementary therapies to treat and manage ALS. Continue reading ALS Treatment: Alternative Approaches to Traditional Medicine
Tag Archives: als
Finding Financial Assistance for ALS Patients
A diagnosis of ALS is devastating news for patients and their family. Dealing with the extensive costs associated with any chronic illness only adds additional burden and stress. Some care is covered by a patient’s health insurance but some costs are not considered customary or reasonable, or not approved by some carriers. In a recent study called the economic impact of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a systematic review by Matthew Gladman, and Lorne Zinman found that “costs associated with ALS were greater than other neurological diseases.”[1] Another abstract indicated that there are few published reports on the cost of ALS care in the United States, but wanted to so examine those costs and identified strategies to assist patients with these expenses. The study: Financial cost of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A case study March 2015 concluded that: Continue reading Finding Financial Assistance for ALS Patients
Preparing for Emergencies When You Have ALS
Emergencies can be frightening and dangerous for anyone. When you have a chronic illness like ALS, natural disasters pose additional risks for those who have limited mobility or are homebound.
Recently, the ALS Association posted a wonderful Emergency Preparedness Checklist for People with ALS. One of the most important things to do is to be proactive in case of emergency. The ALS breaks it down for you suggesting to take the time and work to prepare as you will then feel less vulnerable if and when an emergency arises. These disasters could include natural disasters, home fires, acts of terrorism, or accidental occurrences.
Continue reading Preparing for Emergencies When You Have ALS