What is ALS?

ALS is commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig's Disease, but for anyone who has or knows someone who has ALS, it is very personal. ALS -- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis -- attacks and destroys motor neurons. The messages sent from the brain and/or spinal cord to the voluntary muscles don't reach their destination. When this happens, the ability to control muscle movement is lost, while leaving mental function intact. Eventually, a person with ALS cannot move limbs, eat, speak, or breathe, which ultimately leads to death.

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ALS clinical trial information

• ClinicalTrials.gov is a registry and results database of publicly and privately supported clinical studies of human participants conducted around the world. Click here to go to their website. In the "Search for Studies" box, key in ALS, then click SEARCH

• ALS-TDI offers unbiased and up-to-date information about ALS clinical trials taking place worldwide. More information here

Webinars

ALS "webinars" are live or archived online seminars for people with ALS. Experts explain the scientific rationale and design of current ALS clinical research. Live webinars offer participants the opportunity to ask questions directly to the experts running trials.

To find out the latest schedule of webinars:

• The ALS Association: ALS Association Webinars
• ALS-TDI (ALS Therapy Developent Institute): ALS-TDI Webinars
• NEALS (The Northeast ALS Consortium): NEALS Webinars
  

ALSUntangled
Confused by all the different "cures" and "treatments" for ALS you find on the internet? ALSUntangled helps those dealing with ALS to review alternative and off-label ALS treatments. To check out alternative and off-label ALS treatments or to ask about one, go to ALSUntangled

ALS Clinics

MDA:
MDA clinics and MDA/ALS centers are staffed by multidisciplinary teams of health professionals skilled in the diagnosis and medical management of ALS, including symptom control, medical interventions and therapies to help maintain the highest possible quality of life.

MDA clinic teams may include neurologists, therapists (physical, occupational, speech and respiratory), nutritionists, social workers, pulmonologists, gastroenterologists and medical equipment specialists.

For more information:
MDA ALS Clinic Info

ALS ASSOCIATION:
The ALS Association Certified Centers and Clinics bring together a team of health care professionals specially trained to address the needs of people living with ALS, allowing them to receive care from each discipline during a single visit.

The care team typically includes a neurologist, physical therapist, occupational therapist, respiratory therapist, nurse, dietitian, speech language pathologist, social worker, mental health professional and an ALS Association Chapter liaison.

For more information:
ALS Association Clinic Info

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Organizations supporting ALS families and ALS research
Click logo to go to website for more information on the disease, research, and patient and family support.