Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive, neurological disease. It works by attacking the neurons in the brain and spinal cord that control muscle movement.
In the worst case scenario, it results in death from respiratory failure due to the patient’s inability to ventilate from respiratory muscle weakness.
Unfortunately, there is no cure yet for the disease, but interventions designed for symptom management can slow down the progression of its symptoms and prevent complications such as medications, therapies, breathing support, and other home health care services.
We at 1st Choice Home Health Agency, for instance, offer our very own Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) care as part of our non medical home care services in Texas.
Even with these interventions, however, as a home health agency in Texas, we stand by preventive methods as the best approach in any treatment. And this entails primarily identifying who are at the most risk for this disease to decide what control measures can be done and/or lifestyle changes to undertake.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), of the 14,000 – 15,000 Americans who have ALS, those who are most likely to develop ALS are:
- People who are between the ages of 55 and 75
- Men
- Caucasians and non-Hispanics
- Military veterans (Their risk for developing ALS is up by about 1.5 to 2 times according to studies)
- Children of parents with ALS
Despite these risk factors, it is important to emphasize that majority or 90 percent or more of ALS cases are sporadic or randomly occurring. In any case, it is crucial to know your risk status to start immediate treatment as risks are present and there is no definitive test to diagnose the disease.
