May 28, 2025

ALS: The Classic Medical Perspective

37 minutes

EPISODE TITLE: ALS: The Classic Medical Perspective

EPISODE SUMMARY: In this episode of NOGGINS & NEURONS: Brain Injury Recovery Simplified, Doro and Deb talk about Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or, Lou Gehrig’s Disease. We covered:

What is ALS?

Signs & symptoms of ALS including:

Affects voluntary muscles-hands, forearms, legs.

Early symptoms include:

Fasciculations- spontaneous, uncontrolled discharges of motor neurons; irregular twitchings: Muscle twitches in the arm, leg, shoulder, or tongue

Muscle cramps

Tight and stiff muscles (spasticity)

Muscle weakness affecting an arm, a leg, or the neck

Slurred and nasal speech

Difficulty chewing or swallowing

Difficulty walking, picking up objects, fine motor tasks

Ongoing/Later symptoms:

Chewing food and swallowing (dysphagia)

Drooling (sialorrhea)

Speaking or forming words (dysarthria)

Breathing (dyspnea)

Unintended crying, laughing, or other emotional displays (pseudobulbar symptoms)

Constipation

Maintaining weight and getting enough nutrients

Frontotemporal dementia

Dementia that affects the frontotemporal lobe.

Affects thinking, talking, walking, and socializing.

FTD and other frontotemporal disorders are a common cause of early-onset dementia, often appearing when people are in the prime of life.

Families often suffer, as they struggle to cope with the person's daily needs as well as changes in relationships and responsibilities.

Risk Factors (National Institute of Neurological Disorders & Stroke)-Having a risk factor does not mean a person will or will not get a disease

Age—Although the disease can strike at any age, symptoms most commonly develop between the ages of 55 and 75.

Biological sex—Men are slightly more likely to develop ALS than women. However, at older ages, men and women are equally likely to be diagnosed with ALS.

Race and ethnicity—Whites and non-Hispanics are most likely to develop the disease, but ALS affects people of all races and ethnic backgrounds.

National Institute of Neurological Disorders & Stroke/ALS.org

Some studies suggest military veterans are about one and a half to two times more likely to develop ALS, although the reason for this is unclear. Possible risk factors for veterans include exposure to lead, pesticides, and other environmental toxins. Some studies have also shown that head injury can be associated with higher risk for ALS, but more research is needed to understand this connection.

For about 90% of all cases, there’s no known family history of the disease or presence of a genetic mutation linked to ALS.

For 5-10% of all cases, there’s a known family history of the disease. This is often called familial ALS.

ALS.org

In families with familial ALS, there is a 50% chance each offspring will inherit the gene mutation and may develop the disease.

Medical treatment-involves medications

Common PT & OT interventions

Assistive technology & Communication devices

OBI – independence with feeding

Battery-operated salt & pepper shakers

Steady spoon if tremors are present

Built up handle utensils

Eazy Hold grip aids

Universal cuff

Divided Dish

GUS communication devices

ALS specific websites & show References

org

I Am ALS

Winning The Fight

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke-Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

Maintaining Optimal Quality of Life

Support groups

Proper equipment & Knowledge of use

RESOURCES:

ALS Association-enter zip code to find assistance in your state. In FL: General Inquiries

813-637-9000

[email protected]

Community support groups & counseling

Transportation assistance

Equipment loan bank-people with ALS can borrow assistive equipment on long term basis

Assistance finding & obtaining community & government resources

Multidisciplinary medical care under one roof

FAAST-FLORIDA ALLIANCE FOR ASSISTIVE SERVICES & TECHONOLGY: org

FAAST is a program designed to provide assistive technology to Floridians with disabilities and their loved ones. This program offers a range of activities, including device loans, demonstrations, reutilization, and training, to ensure Floridians have access to the latest in assistive technology. Additionally, FAAST provides information and assistance, as well as a financing program available state-wide. With a commitment to accessibility and innovation, FAAST is leading the way in assistive technology in the state of Florida.

CENTER FOR ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY-University of Buffalo

The Center for Assistive Technology (CAT) is a non-profit organization that conducts research and provides educational and service programs to increase consumer knowledge related to assistive technology for persons with disabilities.

CAT is also the Western New York Regional Center for the New York State TRAID Program, for which it coordinates information on technology-related expertise and resources for people with disabilities.

SHEPHERD CENTER-CENTER FOR ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES Atlanta, GA

The Center for Assistive Technologies at Shepherd Center helps individuals regain independence after a neurological injury or condition. Challenges with mobility and cognitive function can impact daily activities like using devices, controlling home environments, and driving. Our team develops, tests, and customizes assistive technologies to support rehabilitation, empowering you to navigate life with greater ease and autonomy.

UPMC CENTER FOR ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY-Pittsburgh, PA

The CAT is an interdisciplinary center comprising multiple outpatient clinics that offer a variety of services to assist you.

University of North Carolina Wilmington Center for Assistive Technology

Miami University Center for Assistive Technology Oxford, OH

Assistive Technology Center New Jersey

Utah Center for Assistive Technology

University of South Carolina Assistive Technology Program

We hope you enjoyed this episode of Noggins And Neurons. As always, we want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected]

THERAPY PRACTICE RESOURCES:

DEB’S RESOURCES

Beyond the Basics: Motor Recovery Bootcamp (Modified Constraint Induced Movement Therapy Guide)

The OT's Guide to Mirror Therapy

Occupational Therapy Intervention: Scavenger Hunt Visual Scanning for Adults

Occupational Therapy Intervention 2 Pack: Scavenger Hunt & Visual Trails for Adults

Noggins And Neurons Podcast Creative Learning & Discussion Guide (Free for podcast members)

PETE’S blog and book, “Stronger After Stroke: Your Roadmap to Recovery” 3rd edition:

Blog: blogspot.com

Book: Stronger After Stroke, 3rd edition

DORO’S OT PRACTICE – The Neuro Hub

REQUEST TO BE A GUEST ON NOGGINS & NEURONS. If you’re passionate about stroke recovery and have information or a story you believe will help others, we’d love help you share it on the show. Complete the guest request form below and let’s see if we’re a good fit!

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MUSIC: “Soft Inspiration” by Scott Holmes/Scott Holmes Music/scottholmesmusic.com

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