Treatments for ALS

ALS Treatments

There is currently no known cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS. It is a terminal illness. But treatments can slow disease progression and improve your quality of life. Emory provides comprehensive, compassionate care for ALS.

ALS affects approximately 1 in 400 people, impacting people of all genders, races, and ethnicities. While it can occur at any age, it most commonly develops between 55 and 65 years old.

Around 10% of cases are inherited, with the primary known risk factors being age and a family history of ALS. Additionally, a history of military service is associated with an increased risk, though the reasons for this remain unclear.

The Emory ALS Center is one of the premier medical centers for ALS in the United States. Our dedicated team provides compassionate care. We also participate in many clinical trials to better understand ALS.

Our slogan is, “Celebrate Life, Imagine a Cure.”

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Medications for ALS Care

Researchers at the Emory ALS Center conduct both basic laboratory and clinical studies aimed at uncovering the causes of ALS and developing more effective treatments.

There are a few medications to effectively slow the course of treat ALS. Multidisciplinary care, like the specialized treatment offered at Emory, can help slow symptom progression, enhance quality of life, and improve survival.

Doctors may also prescribe medicine to provide relief from other common ALS symptoms, including:

  • Anxiety and depression
  • Constipation
  • Excessive saliva or phlegm
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle cramps or spasms
  • Pain

ALS Therapies

The Emory ALS Center offers many therapies to help preserve your independence, including:

  • Occupational therapy to help with everyday activities, such as eating and dressing

  • Physical therapy to help keep your muscles flexible

  • Speech therapy to help with communication and make sure you can swallow safely

  • Dietary expertise to ensure proper nutrition and avoid weight loss

Emory also has a special program for the swallowing disorders (dysphagia) that happen with ALS. Our multidisciplinary team will work with you to provide solutions.

Assistive Devices for ALS

Various medical devices and equipment can help you navigate your condition. These can include:

  • A feeding tube to supplement your diet
  • Noninvasive ventilator (NIV) to help breathing and prolong survival
  • Speech technology to support communication
  • A walker, wheelchair or braces to maintain mobility

Your Treatment Team

Our expert team of medical professionals work together to enhance your comfort and quality of life.

Your team may include:

  • ALS nurses to manage care

  • Dietitians to coordinate nutrition and hydration options

  • Occupational therapists to help you use assistive tools

  • Physical therapists to show you exercises for mobility

  • Respiratory therapists to assess breathing and oversee the use of breathing devices

  • Speech therapists to help you communicate more easily

  • Social workers to provide emotional support and resources for you and your family

Other members of your treatment team may include orthotists (a health care provider who fits braces and splints) and hospice specialists.

Your team at the Emory ALS Center also can connect you and your family to outside resources. These services include support groups, financial aid, transportation, respite care and more.

You can review the Emory ALS Center Resource Guide

ALS or Lou Gehrig's Disease

ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease, affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. The disease makes you lose control of your muscles.

Learn more about ALS
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