Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) attacks motor neurons (a type of nerve cell) in the brain and spinal cord. There are two types of motor neurons: upper motor neurons (UMNs) that send nerve fibers down the from the motor cortex in the brain (part of the brain that controls movement) to the spinal cord; lower motor neurons (LMNs) send nerve fibers from the spinal cord to the muscles throughout the body. The progressive degeneration of the motor neurons in ALS eventually leads to their death. When the motor neurons die, the ability of the brain to initiate and control muscle movement is lost. With voluntary muscle action progressively affected, patients in the later stages of the disease may become totally paralyzed.
Making ALS a livable disease is possible, but it will take all of us to make that happen. On behalf of my family and my frontline faction, I hope you will join me.
When your loved one receives a diagnosis of ALS, you transition into a new role as a caregiver. This may happen gradually over time, or quickly, catching you off guard and possibly unprepared. Regardless of where you are in your caregiving journey, who better to accept advice, guidance and emotional support from than other families and caregivers who are living through similar experiences?
For many people living with ALS, the decision to have a feeding tube placed, if or when it’s needed, is an important one, and as with many decisions that must be made during an ALS journey, it’s not of the one-size-fits-all variety. In recognition of Feeding Tube Awareness Week, we wanted to share some common concerns and misconceptions about them as well as some resources to help.
Making ALS a livable disease is possible, but it will take all of us to make that happen. Join Kristina and all ALS caregivers in the fight against ALS.
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