Symptoms Of ALS Seniors And Families Should Know
May is ALS Awareness Month and it’s important that seniors, their families, and homecare providers, learn more about ALS. ALS is usually diagnosed in people between the ages of 55 and 70. It’s a progressive disease and there is no cure. Some of the symptoms of ALS can be managed with the right medications and lifestyle changes but as the disease progresses seniors will need home care in order to be safe and healthy. ALS can be hereditary, but it’s not necessarily hereditary. That means that if there if is a history of ALS in the family that may make you’re senior loved one more likely to develop it. But it’s not necessary to have a family history of ALS to get it.
Homecare in Glenview IL: ALS
If you notice any of the symptoms of ALS in your senior loved one or if they notice that they are having symptoms of ALS the best thing to do is make sure they get seen by a doctor and assessed for ALS. Some of the symptoms of ALS that seniors and their families should be are of include:
Slurred Speech
One of the ways that ALS impacts the body is by causing weakness or failure in the muscles that people to use to speak. If your senior loved one has trouble forming letters or forms or if they try to speak and their voice sounds hoarse or unusual that is a sign that they need to see a doctor. As the disease progresses it will be harder and harder for your senior loved one to speak. Getting a diagnosis of ALS early and getting on medication can sometimes slow the progression of the symptoms like losing the ability to speak.
Weakness of Muscles In The Extremities
Having pain and weakness in the hands, arms, feet, and legs is a primary symptom of ALS. If your senior loved one notices that they are having more trouble than usual with things like holding items, getting up from chairs, walking, or moving their hands and feet it’s a good idea to have a doctor examine them. There can be many things that cause seniors to have pain and weakness in the extremities. A thorough exam will help their doctor determine the cause. Home care can help seniors get around the house safely when they are experiencing pain or weakness in their limbs.
Falls
Seniors often have falls at home due to a variety of factors. But if your senior loved one is falling a lot, or if they are complaining about having trouble moving their feet or experiencing muscle weakness that is leading to falls then they need to be examined by a doctor because they may have ALS.
Trouble Breathing
ALS also can impact the muscles that control breathing. If your senior loved one is starting to be short of breath often or if they complain that their chest feels like their muscles are constricting then a doctor’s exam is necessary to pinpoint the cause, which could be ALS.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Homecare in Glenview, IL, call the caring staff at LifeCare Home Health & In-Home Services. Call (888) 606-4199 LifeCare serves all of the Chicago Metro Area.
Sources:
https://www.cherishedagency.com/blog/support-als-diagnosis
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/amyotrophic-lateral-sclerosis-als
https://www.hss.edu/condition-list_amyotrophic-lateral-sclerosis.asp
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