Question 1

my father, who is 65, is dying of als or: lou gherigs disease. how painful will his death be?  and what are the signs hes getting close to dying?

Accepted Answer

So sorry: ALS is a nasty disease, and many pts have pain, but this can easily be controlled with analgesics, and strong opioids would not be inappropriate.  Most pts die from infection, such as pneumonia, so, a fever and trouble breathing might be a sign of problems.  Usually, toward the end, a hospice is marvelous for palliation, emotional support, and understanding.

Question 2

where can i find a computer set up for somebody suffering from als / lou gehrig's disease?

Accepted Answer

Instrumental ADLs: An occupational therapist is the healthcare specialist who helps define one's needs to perform activities like computer work (considered an instrumental activity of daily living or adl vs a basic adl such as bathing).  Once defined, the therapist helps acquire the equipment and trains a patient in its use.  A physiatrist is the medical specialist who  works most closely with these therapists.

Question 3

why is als called lou gehrig's disease?

Accepted Answer

Famous L.G. had ALS: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is known as lou gehrig's disease because l.G. Was a famous baseball player who developed ALS and had to quit baseball. Als is a progressive disease affecting nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. The nerve cells that control muscle movements degenerate and die. The patient worsens as more nerve cells die, and he becomes unable to move, which leads to his death.

Question 4

what is als ( lou gehrigs disease )?

Accepted Answer

Paralysis of muscles: Lou gehrig's disease is also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The disease attacks nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that run the muscles that we can normally control. The cause of the disease is not known. In about 10% it is genetic. 

People with lou gehrig's disease slowly become weak in the arms and legs, and can have difficulty speaking, swallowing, and breathing.

Question 5

what is the progression of als or lou gehrigs disease?

Accepted Answer

ALS: Devastating disease that has a progressive course of weakness causing loss of ability to walk, reach with arms,  ability of independent activities of daily living and eventually ability to breath is affected. The ability to feel and think is unaffected. Course can take months to a few years after initial diagnosis.

Question 6

do you think there will ever be a cure for als (lou gehrigs) disease?

Accepted Answer

Hopefully: Trust in research, technology and the curiosity that defines us human beings. It's just a matter of time. Hopefully sooner than later.

Question 7

how long is the life expectancy for als, llou gehrig's disease?

Accepted Answer

3 to 5 years: Als, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is better known as lou gehrig's disease. It is a disease of motor neurons that causes progressive muscle weakness and is uniformly fatal. The median time from the first symptom of weakness to the patient's passing is about 4 years.

Question 8

is als an expensive disease?

Accepted Answer

It can be: Because the disease causes progressive disability, adaptive equipment is used to enable the patient to be as mobile as possible.  There are also communication devices which may be needed as weakness of the tongue and jaw make speech difficult.  Adaptive equipment can be very expensive.

Question 9

are ald and als the same disease?

Accepted Answer

No.: ALD usually refers to adrenleukodystropy. Als usually refers to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Question 10

what is fields disease? is it the same as als?

Accepted Answer

Similar: Fields' disease is considered to be the rarest known disease in the world, with only two diagnosed cases in history. It is named after welsh twins catherine and kirstie fields. Fields' disease is a neuromuscular disease, causing muscular degeneration.

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Doctor answers about:

Als or lou gehrig s disease

A member asked:

My father, who is 65, is dying of als or: lou gherigs disease. how painful will his death be? and what are the signs hes getting close to dying?

A member asked:

Where can i find a computer set up for somebody suffering from als / lou gehrig's disease?

A member asked:

Why is als called lou gehrig's disease?

A member asked:

What is als ( lou gehrigs disease )?

A member asked:

What is the progression of als or lou gehrigs disease?

A member asked:

Do you think there will ever be a cure for als (lou gehrigs) disease?

A member asked:

How long is the life expectancy for als, llou gehrig's disease?

A member asked:

Is als an expensive disease?

A member asked:

Are ald and als the same disease?

A member asked:

What is fields disease? is it the same as als?

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