Living with ALS in Scottsdale

ALS can be debilitating, making it challenging to complete simple tasks.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a neurological disorder that attacks the nervous system in the brain and spinal cord. Affecting your muscles, making it more difficult to use them as the disease progresses. May has been designated as ALS Awareness Month since 1992, making it the perfect time to bring attention to the disease.

Living with ALS

It can be difficult to diagnose the disease as there is no single test to do so. Instead, there is a series of physical and neurological tests.

Once you have been diagnosed, many complications may arise. ALS attacks muscles in the face, making breathing, speaking, and eating a challenge at times. Trouble eating causes malnutrition to be a common concern for those suffering from ALS. This often leads to feeding tubes becoming a necessity to reduce the risk of pneumonia, which can come from food or liquids getting into the lungs.

There are a variety of tactics to reduce the effects of the disease on your everyday life. Typically included in treatment plans for the disease are physical and speech therapy. Physical therapy can help you maintain movement and function in your arms and legs. Low-impact exercises are the best way to do this, including walking, stationary bikes, and swimming. Speech therapy can help you learn new strategies to speak more clearly and loudly.

After diagnosis, life expectancy ranges from roughly one to two years. 50% of people with the disease pass away within 14-18 months of diagnosis. That being said, there are rare cases where individuals can live upwards of 10 years.

The most common cause of death is breathing failure. Due to the disease weakening the muscles used to breathe, some people may require a ventilator to help them breathe. Another option is undergoing a tracheostomy, where a hole is surgically created at the front of the neck, leading to the windpipe.

Local Resources

• ALS Arizona – has a directory for clinics in the area that offer the best ALS physicians in Arizona to help ensure people have access to specialized care.
• ALS Association – offers a variety of resources and support to provide you with the information, support, and tools you need free of charge.

Griswold Cares

Living with ALS isn’t easy; if you are looking to stay in your home as you age, we are here to support you. Through our variety of Care Services, we have many ways to support you in the comfort of your own home.

We offer Personal Care, Homemaking, and Companionship Care as our Essential Care Services. We also offer a variety of other services. If you are a family Caregiver and need a break, our Respite Care might be exactly what you’re looking for.

If you or a loved one is currently living with ALS in Scottsdale, give us a call. Our team will put together a personalized care plan for you to meet all of your care needs.