Case Study -- ALS

Today I presented my case study on Lou Gehrig who had Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. The status of my client was early stage, recently diagnosed. He had noticed he had been dropping things lately and his batting average fell to a .143 (used to be .343). His living situation was to remain living at home. One thing in particular my group discussed was what the adaptive equipment might have been like back in 1939 when he was diagnosed. What is available today is probably much more developed and technologically advanced compared to 70 years ago. Lou died 2 years after being diagnosed. It is interesting to note that the intervention for ALS is somewhat similar to Parkinson's in that it is degenerative so you want to maintain function and independence in ADL through use of adaptive equipment. Other interventions an OT would use with a client with ALS include: optimize strength and ROM, educate client and caregiver, and manage pain and energy.