Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Guide for Patients and Families

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, cannot be cured but it can be treated. A great deal can be done to treat the symptoms of ALS, to improve an individual's quality of life, and to help families, caregivers, and loved ones to cope with the disease. This extensively revised and rewritten new edition of the bestselling Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Guide For Patients and Families addresses all of those needs, and brings up-to-date important information to those living with the reality of ALS.

The book is completely revised throughout and contains NEW information on:

Recently developed approaches to treating ALS symptoms
Use of non-invasive ventilators
Multidisciplinary team care
New guidelines being developed by the American Academy of Neurology for patients with ALS
The use of riluzole (Rilutek) to treat ALS

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis covers every aspect of the management of ALS, from clinical features of the disease, to diagnosis, to an overview of symptom management. Major sections deal with medical and rehabilitative management, living with ALS, managing advanced disease, end-of-life issues, and resources that can provide support and assistance in this time of need.

Customer Reviews:

Must read for newly diagnosed and families.

By S. Hansen - May 16, 2003

My mother was diagnosed with ALS in January 2001. Unfortunately, it took me 4 months as "Buyer Waiting" to obtain a copy of this book. By the time I received the book, my family and I already felt besieged by the challenges of rapidly advancing bulbar ALS. While I cannot speak for what this book might mean for the ALS patient, I can attest for what it has meant to me as caretaker. As such, I found my time and attention limited to each immediate crisis at hand. Fortunately, the book is arranged in such a way that you can skip around--reading whichever chapter or chapter portion pertains to your current dilemma. Sadly, I lost my Mom on Easter Sunday 2003. Probably, I only read 50 percent of this book before her passing--but that 50% did help me navigate the turbulent challenges of this disease and connect emotionally with my mother on a level that otherwise might not have been possible once she lost her ability to communicate. While this book is not an end-all resource... read more

Excellent Resource

By Aman Bawa - January 1, 2006

I used this book religiously before my dad passed away from complications due to ALS last July. The book was very helpful to understand what was happening and what was coming. As depressing as it all is, it was better to understand the situation so I could do all I could to help my loved one. I was just looking at my copy the other day and the amount of highlighting in it and stickies hanging out of it reminded me of how used the book was.

It's a 5

By "als_daddys_girl" - January 26, 2004

This book has helped our family tremendously with understanding what is occuring and how to stay ahead of the game dealing with ALS. Ideas shared in the book are practical and helpful.A good read for families dealing with ALS...especially care givers.