Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Research Paper
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Kasandra Cartwright
Angelina College Lufkin, Texas
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to show how amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) psychologically and physically affect the human mind. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a fatal neurodegenerative disease with a progressive and rapid course that, so far, cannot be stopped or reversed. The psychological impact of the disease is huge, on both patients and caregivers.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
“Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neuromuscular disease characterized by progressive degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons, which are responsible for the transmission of information form the cerebral cortex to the skeletal muscles and production of voluntary movement of the upper and lower extremities. It is associated with progressive paralysis, loss of communicative ability and functional decline”, stated (Ozanne, Graneheim, & …show more content…
The fatal nature of the illness affects the whole family, with a significant emotional impact,” printed (Pagnini, 2013). “Caregivers spend a lot of time in everyday caring, sometimes more than 11 hours a day, and they often need to reduce their work activities or even completely end them. Those who believe they cannot leave the patient are the most distressed,” printed (Pagnini, 2013). “Together with emotional strain, care in ALS requires a certain amount of physical impairments. This is particularly true for patients with ALS. The progressive nature of the decease promotes the dependence of the patient on a primary caregiver, and it is important to identify factors relevant to quality of life for both the patient and the caregiver and to improve these as much as possible.” printed (Pagnini,
Kasandra Cartwright
Angelina College Lufkin, Texas
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to show how amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) psychologically and physically affect the human mind. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a fatal neurodegenerative disease with a progressive and rapid course that, so far, cannot be stopped or reversed. The psychological impact of the disease is huge, on both patients and caregivers.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
“Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neuromuscular disease characterized by progressive degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons, which are responsible for the transmission of information form the cerebral cortex to the skeletal muscles and production of voluntary movement of the upper and lower extremities. It is associated with progressive paralysis, loss of communicative ability and functional decline”, stated (Ozanne, Graneheim, & …show more content…
The fatal nature of the illness affects the whole family, with a significant emotional impact,” printed (Pagnini, 2013). “Caregivers spend a lot of time in everyday caring, sometimes more than 11 hours a day, and they often need to reduce their work activities or even completely end them. Those who believe they cannot leave the patient are the most distressed,” printed (Pagnini, 2013). “Together with emotional strain, care in ALS requires a certain amount of physical impairments. This is particularly true for patients with ALS. The progressive nature of the decease promotes the dependence of the patient on a primary caregiver, and it is important to identify factors relevant to quality of life for both the patient and the caregiver and to improve these as much as possible.” printed (Pagnini,