Article

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a relentlessly progressive and fatal
neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive weakness of voluntary
muscles of movement as well as those for swallowing, speech and respiration. In
the absence of curative treatment, care can improve quality of life, prolong
survival, and support ALS patients and their families, and also help them to
anticipate and prepare for the end of life. Multidisciplinary management in
tertiary centers is recommended in close collaboration with general
practitioners, home carers and a dedicated health network. Patients' follow-up
deals mainly with motor impairment and physical disability, adaptation, nutrition
and respiratory function. Involvement of palliative care as part of the
multidisciplinary team management offers patients the possibility of discussing
their end of life issues. This review summarizes the different aspects of ALS
care, from delivering the diagnosis to the end of life, and the organization of
its management.
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Langue : ANGLAIS