About 5 to 10 percent of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, patients live for more than 10 years after being diagnosed with the disease, notes the ALS Association. The subsequent medical costs can add up to a significant sum. While there remains no cure for ALS, a number of treatment strategies may improve the quality of life for patients as well as slow the progression of the disease, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
Medication
Riluzole is a commonly used medication for treating ALS, notes the ALS Association and MayoClinic.com. The medication received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1995, according to the ALS Association. Riluzole is able to decrease damage to motor neurons by reducing the release of glutamate, notes the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. As ALS progresses, other forms of medications that target physiological symptoms, such as painful muscle contractions and constipation, may be prescribed. Psychological symptoms such as depression and anxiety may also necessitate the need for medication.
Nutritional Regulation
As ALS progresses, the capacity to eat and drink properly gradually deteriorates, notes the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Nutritionists can ensure that ALS patients are still able to receive proper nourishment despite their deteriorating condition. Nutritionists will typically recommend meals be taken in smaller but more numerous portions per day. In addition, meal composition would only include food that is easily swallowed, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
Occupational Therapy
ALS systematically destroys locomotor capacity, notes the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. ALS patients eventually require the use of devices such as wheelchairs, arm or leg braces and the like to move around. An occupational therapist performs the vital function of training ALS patients in the use of these apparatuses. Moreover, occupational therapists may also aid ALS patients in selecting the apparatus best suited to their needs, according to MayoClinic.com.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a vital means through which ALS patients can stem muscular degradation and strengthen muscles, notes the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. The physical exercises employed typically enhance and reinforce muscles, as well as improve cardiovascular health. A few examples of commonly employed exercises are low-impact aerobics walking, and swimming. Nevertheless, physical therapists are a necessary element to ensure the exercises performed achieve their objectives instead of causing more damage.
Speech Therapy
ALS gradually degrades the ability to speak, notes MayoClinic.com. Speech therapists perform the vital task of slowing the rate of speech deterioration via speech exercises. Moreover, speech therapists may also advise patients on the devices that may be used to facilitate communication.
