How can people get more information about ALS and The ALS Association?
Media Frequently Asked Questions - The ALS AssociationThe ALS Association has a toll-free information and referral service available to patients, caregivers and family members, staffed by The ALS Association Patient Service Coordinators. The ALS Association Information and Referral number is 1-800-782-4747. To reach The ALS Association's Patient Services department by e-mail, contact alsinfo@alsa-national.org.
Related QuestionsIs There Hope For People With ALS/MND?
Frequently Asked QuestionsALS/MND wreaks a devastating effect on patients as well as their families. As they struggle to cope with the prospect of advancing disability and death, it consumes their emotional and financial reserves. It is a costly disease in its later stages, demanding both extensive nursing care and expensive equipment. But there is always hope. Recent medical discoveries have led to new drugs which seem to slow the progression of the disease.
Related QuestionsCan creatine help people with ALS and what are the potential side effects?
Patient Services Frequently Asked Questions - The ALS Associ...with any medication or dietary supplement, it is important to check with the physician managing your ALS care to discuss the pros and cons of adding any new drug or supplement. Creatine is a dietary supplement and is sold in most health food stores. A variety of companies produce creatine. Because it is not a drug, creatine does not fall under the control of the FDA for product claims or manufacturing purity.
Related QuestionsHow many people have ALS?
FRONTLINE: so much so fast: what's als? | PBSIt is estimated that 30,000 people in the U.S. have ALS at any given time, with approximately 5,600 new cases diagnosed annually. More than 5,000 people die from the disease each year.
Related QuestionsWhat Is ALS?
Patient Services Frequently Asked Questions - The ALS Associ...Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a motor neuron disease, first identified in 1869 by the noted French neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot. Although the cause of ALS is not completely understood, the 1990's have brought a wealth of new scientific understanding about the physiology of this disease.
Related QuestionsMedia What is The ALS Association?
Media Frequently Asked Questions - The ALS AssociationThe ALS Association is the only national not-for-profit health agency dedicated solely to the fight against ALS. The mission of The ALS Association is to find a cure for and improve living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Related QuestionsWhere is The ALS Association located?
Media Frequently Asked Questions - The ALS AssociationThe ALS Association's National Office is headquartered in Calabasas Hills, California. The Association has a nation-wide network of chapters and several dozen free standing support groups located throughout the United States carrying out the mission and activities of the organization at the local level. The ALS Association has representation in over 50 of the major markets in the United States.
Related QuestionsWhat is an ALS Association CenterSM?
Media Frequently Asked Questions - The ALS AssociationThe nationwide network of 19 certified ALS Association CentersSM are distinguished regional centers that have been recognized by The ALS Association as the best in the field with regard to knowledge about and experience in ALS. To become certified as an ALS Association CenterSM, an ALS clinic must achieve national prominence, meet rigorous clinical care standards, and pass a comprehensive site inspection.
Related QuestionsWho oversees the work of The ALS Association?
Media Frequently Asked Questions - The ALS AssociationNational Board of Trustees, composed of noted leaders in business, science, law and medicine from around the U.S. with a dedication to help find answers to ALS. Chapter Board of Trustees, composed of individuals who represent the local community in which they serve. Medical Advisory Committee composed of neurologists and multidisciplinary team professionals representing such areas as nutrition, physical therapy and pulmonology.
Related QuestionsWho is the official spokesperson for The ALS Association?
Media Frequently Asked Questions - The ALS AssociationThe ALS Association relies on a variety of spokespeople to tell the ALS "story." In addition to clinical and scientific experts on staff, we often turn to our many friends and partners in the medical and scientific fields to help convey an understanding of the many fronts on which The ALS Association is fighting this disease.
Related QuestionsHow can I find a doctor knowledgeable and experienced in taking care of people with ALS?
Patient Services Frequently Asked Questions - The ALS Associ...Selecting a physician to manage your ALS care will often be influenced by what is covered by your health insurance plan. If necessary, contact your insurance company to request approval to receive care at an ALS specialty clinic or center. Finding a doctor who is a "match" for you and your family is important. Individual styles and approaches to care will vary - despite equal medical skill and competence.
Related QuestionsIs there hope for people with ALS?
What is ALS - ALS Descriptioncurren; back to top ¤At the moment, there is a drug trial being conducted that may prolong life minimally. Research is looking to find not only the cause of the disease so that a cure can be developed but also other medications or treatments that can help until a cure is found. With improved knowledge about ALS, healthcare providers and families can help people living with ALS live life more fully.
Related QuestionsWhat Is ALS/MND?
Frequently Asked QuestionsAmyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, a.k.a Motor Neuron Disease-is a rapidly progressive, fatal neuromuscular disease. It attacks motor neurons in the spinal cord and lower brain which transmit signals from the brain to the voluntary muscles throughout the body. When motor neurons die as a result of ALS, the ability of the brain to control muscle movement is lost. When muscles fail to receive messages, they weaken, atrophy, and die. There is no known cure.
Related QuestionsHow Is ALS Diagnosed?
Frequently Asked Questionspresent there is no definitive means of diagnosis of ALS/MND. Most diagnoses are made by eliminating all other possibilities--ailments whose symptoms resemble those of ALS/MND. Neurologists use a number of clinical tests to establish a profile, including blood testing, EMG, MRI, etc;
Related QuestionsIs ALS painful?
Frequently Asked QuestionsSome of the pain ALS may cause are pressure sores, muscle aches or cramps, swelling feet, and muscle contractions.
Related QuestionsHow long do people with ALS live?
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ALS: rockin for a curePersons with ALS who go on a ventilator may live for many years, but once on a ventilator, 24-hour care MUST maintained by qualified nursing care.
Related QuestionsIs creatine beneficial for people with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease)?
Creatine FAQStudies have shown that creatine may be beneficial for ALS. Studies have shown that creatine can cause an increase in strength in people with such disorders. Researcher M. Flint Beat of Cornell University Medical Center published work on the issue in March of the 1999 for the issue of Nature Neuroscience.
Related QuestionsWhat assets can I use to make a gift to The ALS Association?
Gift Planning - The ALS AssociationGenerally speaking, during your lifetime you can make an outright gift of cash, securities or other property (e.g., real estate, personal property). Through your will or with a distribution from a retirement plan or life insurance policy, your gift can be designated to The ALS Association in accordance with your wishes.
Related QuestionsIs Nara's People's Dental Association and Oramedics completely gone?
Frequently Asked QuestionsYes. I have considered getting the PDA going again. If there is enough interest among the newsletter readers and visitors to this site, I may. Oramedics was Nara's organization. When he retired, it ended, I am assuming.
Related QuestionsWhat is ALS - ALS Descriptioncurren; back to top ¤ALS stands for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, sometimes called Lou Gehrig's disease. It is a rapidly progressive and fatal neuromuscular disease that is characterized by degeneration of a select group of nerve cells and pathways (motor neurons) in the brain and spinal cord. This loss of motor neurons leads to progressive paralysis of the voluntary muscles. The heart is not a voluntary muscle, and therefore, remains unaffected by the disease.Related Questions
Are there minimums that must be met to establish a charitable gift annuity with The ALS Association?
Gift Planning - The ALS AssociationYes. The minimum gift amount for a charitable gift annuity is $10,000, and annuitants must reach age 60 before annuity payments can begin. Thus. immediate gift annuities can only be established for annuitants age 60 and older. Deferred gift annuities can be established by someone at any age but annuity payments cannot begin until the annuitant has reached age 60.
Related QuestionsAre You an American Association of People with Disabilities Member (AAPD)?
INDEPENDENT LIVING AND ADVOCACY BYIf you're not already a member, you're missing out on a great opportunity to make a difference in the lives and independence of people with disabilities. Your financial support (through membership dues) joins with the 100,000 AAPD members to: Fund AAPD's partnership with the Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU) to provide over $30 million in new Mobility Vehicle and Access loans to members who were denied these loans by other financial institutions.
Related QuestionsCan other people see my child's information on GSPM?
GSPM FAQsGSPM is password and user name protected. As long as you keep your password and user name safe, no one else will be able to access or view your child's personal information
Related QuestionsD6 What technology is available for people with ALS/stroke?
ATA-Family Place in CyberSpace-FAQ DisabilityMany technology options are available for people with ALS or stroke. These include infrared controls, switches Home | About | ATA Community | Join the ATA | Donate to ATA | Initiatives | News | FAQ | ATA Resources | Related Resources | Member Area
Related QuestionsWhat devices and technologies are available to help people with ALS?
FRONTLINE: so much so fast: what's als? | PBSIn the beginning stages of ALS, patients may use walkers or canes before progressing to a wheelchair. There are power wheelchairs available that can be controlled by the head or chin or by a "sip-and-puff" mouth device. Transfer boards and patient lifts are also available to help maneuver the patient's body. And there are a multitude of devices -- from elastic shoelaces to silverware aids -- available to help with daily tasks.
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