How is ALS treated?

How is ALS treated?

There is no cure for ALS. But treatment can slow the progression of the disease. The right treatment plan can help you stay comfortable and independent for as long as possible.

Treatments include:

• Medications to relieve muscle cramps, extra saliva and other symptoms.
• Physical therapy to help you stay mobile. It can ease discomfort from stiff muscles, cramps and fluid retention.
• Nutritional counseling ensures you eat a healthy, balanced diet. A nutritionist can also recommend other food options when swallowing becomes difficult.
• Speech therapy provides strategies for safer swallowing and communication training help you maintain verbal communication for as long as possible. You may also learn nonverbal communication techniques.
• Assistive devices, including splints, braces, grab bars and reach devices, help you stay independent. You use these devices to get dressed, eat, use the toilet and bathe.
• Special equipment such as wheelchairs and electric beds to help you function independently.