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Dealing with ALS
November 16, 2009 |
Right now, researchers are looking to the body’s makeup for clues about ALS, otherwise
known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. “There is a wide array of research going on. Nothing
yet has been proven or effective from a stem cell standpoint of ALS,” says neurologist
Dr. Adam Heller, Assistant Clinical Director for the ALS Clinic.
ALS is a progressive disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.
With still no known cause or cure, the disease can attack the body’s functioning
process.
“The best indicator for disease progression is their actual respiratory function,
their pulmonary status, and that’s something that
we monitor over time, as well
as their nutritional status. Those become the two hallmarks of things you can identify
to track disease progression,” adds Dr. Heller.
For families and patients dealing with an ALS diagnosis, Lee Memorial Health System
has opened an ALS Clinic at the Outpatient Center at Plantation Road.
The clinic
is held every second Saturday of the month. “It provides a way for these patients,
with these many needs, from a respiratory standpoint, from a speech therapy standpoint,
as well as a nutritional standpoint, plus the obvious physical therapy, occupational
therapy needs, in one clinic setting,” explains Dr. Heller.
Here in this private room, various therapists, nutritionists, and physicians will
visit with the patient, get an update on their progress and recommend the next course
of action.
“It’s a clinic that is for everyone involved with the disease, that would
include the caregivers as well as the patients,” Dr. Heller adds.
For more information, you can call the ALS clinic at 239-343-0776.
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