Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Guide for Patients and Families / Edition 3

by Hiroshi Mitsumoto MD

Overview

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.

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Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781932603729
Publisher:	Springer Publishing Company
Publication date:	03/16/2009
Edition description:	Third Edition
Pages:	496
Sales rank:	695,697
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.90(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author

Hiroshi Mitsumoto, MD, is the current Medical Director of the ALS Center at Columbia University Medical Center.

Table of Contents

What is Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis?
The Clinical Features and Prognosis of ALS
The Diagnosis of ALS
Treating the Symptoms of ALS
A Comprehensive Approach to Managing ALS
Rehabilitation Issues
Physical Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Wheelchair Selection
Managing Communication and Swallowing Difficulties
Nutrition Intervention
Pulmonary Management
Life Support: Realities and Dilemmas
Alternative and Complementary Therapies
Clinical Therapeutic Trials for ALS
The Design of Clinical Trials
The ALS Patient Care Database
Sharing the Experience of ALS: Patient and Family Support Groups
Meditation and ALS
Living with ALS: Quality of Life Issues
Familial Relationships and ALS
Financial Realities
Home Care Agencies
Palliative Care: The Management of Advanced Disease
Hospice Care
What the MDA Can Do
What the ALS Association Can Do
Resources and Support Services

Editorial Reviews

Reviewer: Katherine Noe, MD, PhD (Mayo Clinic Arizona)
Description: Now in its third edition, this handbook provides a comprehensive overview of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, covering pathophysiology, therapeutic options, and end-of-life care. Information on pharmacologic treatment, both traditional and alternative, and noninvasive respiratory support has been updated from the 2001 publication.
Purpose: The authors have created a guidebook to assist patients, their families, and caregivers throughout their journey with ALS, covering not only symptoms and treatments but also practical issues such as medical equipment needs, finances, and managing end-of-life care. The book fills the need for an open, factual, and detailed source of information in a format accessible to nonclinicians.
Audience: Laypersons diagnosed with or caring for someone with ALS are the intended audience, but the book would also be of use to therapists, primary care providers, and neurologists. Whether the reader is newly diagnosed or facing more advanced disease, this book will serve as a valuable reference. The editor is a recognized leader in the field.
Features: This is a practical review of ALS that starts with presenting symptoms and diagnosis, followed by detailed chapters on physical, occupational, and speech therapy, pharmacologic management, and participation in clinical trials. Balanced discussion of advanced nutritional and ventilatory support and what to expect at end of life are of particular value. The authors strive to present information honestly and in a manner accessible to the layperson, but the subject matter is challenging intellectually and, at times, emotionally.
Assessment: This third edition is a welcome update and will serve as an invaluable resource for readers desiring to educate themselves about ALS and the latest strategies in comprehensive management.

Doody's Review Service

Reviewer: Katherine Noe, MD, PhD(Mayo Clinic Arizona)
Description: Now in its third edition, this handbook provides a comprehensive overview of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, covering pathophysiology, therapeutic options, and end-of-life care. Information on pharmacologic treatment, both traditional and alternative, and noninvasive respiratory support has been updated from the 2001 publication.
Purpose: The authors have created a guidebook to assist patients, their families, and caregivers throughout their journey with ALS, covering not only symptoms and treatments but also practical issues such as medical equipment needs, finances, and managing end-of-life care. The book fills the need for an open, factual, and detailed source of information in a format accessible to nonclinicians.
Audience: Laypersons diagnosed with or caring for someone with ALS are the intended audience, but the book would also be of use to therapists, primary care providers, and neurologists. Whether the reader is newly diagnosed or facing more advanced disease, this book will serve as a valuable reference. The editor is a recognized leader in the field.
Features: This is a practical review of ALS that starts with presenting symptoms and diagnosis, followed by detailed chapters on physical, occupational, and speech therapy, pharmacologic management, and participation in clinical trials. Balanced discussion of advanced nutritional and ventilatory support and what to expect at end of life are of particular value. The authors strive to present information honestly and in a manner accessible to the layperson, but the subject matter is challenging intellectually and, at times, emotionally.
Assessment: This third edition is a welcome update and will serve as an invaluable resource for readers desiring to educate themselves about ALS and the latest strategies in comprehensive management.

...would serve as a useful introduction to clinicians...dealing with ALS...as well as a guide to patients and families.

Physical Therapy

You couldn't ask for a more comprehensive (book) than this latest volume from Demos

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