ALS Awareness and Resources in Scottsdale

Did you know there are several vital benefits of exercising after receiving an ALS diagnosis?

May is National ALS Awareness Month. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rare, progressive nervous system disease. It affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, which cause you to lose control of muscles. It attacks the neurons that control voluntary muscle movements such as walking, talking, and chewing. Over time, affected muscles begin to weaken, twitch, and waste away. There is currently no cure for the disease, but researchers have been able to find some likely causes of the disease.

Causes of ALS

There is no single cause for ALS. That being said, researchers have identified several potential risk factors that may affect you developing the disease. Those risk factors include:

• Exposure to toxic substances – like lead or pesticides
• Smoking
• Age – most people begin to develop ALS between 55 and 75
• Gender – men are slightly more likely than women to develop ALS
• Genetics – specific genetic variations may raise the risk
• Head trauma – recent studies suggest there may be a link between traumatic brain injuries and ALS

Exercises for Those with ALS

One of the best ways to improve ALS symptoms and quality of life is through exercise. While ALS may affect your ability to do some exercises you used to be able to, there are still plenty you can do. Other benefits of exercising with ALS include preventing stiff joints, keeping muscles unaffected by ALS healthy, maintaining heart and lung health, slowing muscle loss, and reducing muscle spasms. The best exercises to do are:

• Stretching exercises
• Aerobic exercises
• Resistance exercises
• Balance exercises
• Breathing exercises

Local Resources

ALS Arizona – provides educational resources, caregiver skills training, foundational information, practical guidance, clinical care resources, and research on the disease.

Your ALS Guide – provides a list of local and national support resources for those living with ALS.

Financial Help is Available

There are many grants available to those with ALS and their families to help cover the costs associated with their diagnosis. Grants may help cover the costs of communication devices, medical expenses, home modifications, home care, transportation needs, and respite care. See below for local grants that you may qualify for!

ALS Association
Fred Bargetzi Caregiver Grant
ALS Grant Programs and Equipment Loans

How Can Griswold Help?

ALS care doesn’t end with a diagnosis. Support continues at home, and no one should have to face the journey alone. During ALS Awareness Month, we’re recognizing the strength of individuals living with ALS and the families who support them every day. At Griswold Home Care for Scottsdale, our non-medical Caregivers can help make life at home safer, more comfortable, and less overwhelming by providing companionship, emotional support, help with daily routines, personal care, meal preparation, light housekeeping, medication reminders, and more.

Our Caregivers can provide respite care if you need a short break, all the way up to 24-hour home care for those who need support throughout the day and night. We provide home care services throughout Scottsdale and the surrounding areas. Give us a call today to learn more about how we can best help you. We can put together a personalized care plan and often have a Caregiver in your home within 24 hours.