An advance directive is a legal document used to instruct others about your health care wishes. It acts as a guide for your loved ones and health care providers to make health care and treatment-related decisions on your behalf, should you become unable to convey them due to illness or incapacity.
ALS is a very different disease. Therefore physical therapy treatment has to be different than what you would consider typical physical therapy. You can't fight it off or beat it with exercising. In fact, the wrong kind of exercising can actually make things worse.
Good nutrition is important for everyone. It can be challenging for some people living with ALS to maintain a healthy diet due to chewing and swallowing difficulties. Learn more.
Through word of mouth, Stuart and his wife Marcia found five or six families in their community who were also dealing with the impact of an ALS diagnosis. They started an informal support group. The group started working with the chapter relations team at The ALS Association and formed The ALS Association Alabama Chapter.
After Bryan was diagnosed with ALS, the Stones immediately adopted the saying, “Today is the best day of the rest of our lives, and we’re going to make the most of it.” And in the days and years since, Bryan has done just that and is an awe-inspiring example of a true ALS hero living his life to the fullest.
This group is solely for ALS Caregivers, providing an hour with others who are walking the caregiving journey. A variety of topics are discussed at each meeting. This group of caregivers provides encouragement and hope to each other, sharing ideas and ways in which to care for the person with ALS as well as taking care of themselves.
Connecting ALS recently sat down with Sarah Trott to learn more about her experience as an ALS caregiver for her father who recently lost his battle with ALS, and better understand the challenges with grief she has experienced and the steps she is taking to overcome her terrible loss.
We always enjoy our time at the annual events hosted by the International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations and the MND Association. This year was no exception. We listened, learned, networked, got inspired, caught up with old friends and colleagues, and so much more.