If you or a loved one has been recently diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, you may have a lot of questions. While there is no cure for ALS, there are options to help individuals maintain the best quality of life possible. Many ALS patients will eventually require custom wheelchairs or an ALS wheelchair, such as the Edge 3 Stretto®, to provide mobility, positioning and support.
Consider an ALS Wheelchair
As the narrowest, most maneuverable power case in America, the Stretto can easily navigate tight corners and small spaces with an overall width of just 20.47 inches with 12.5-inch drive wheels. Learn more about the features of the Stretto and why it is an excellent ALS wheelchair choice.
While there is a lot of information available on ALS, it’s important to get the whole picture. You can read more about some of the common symptoms of ALS and see how others living with the condition have benefitted from Quantum® complex rehab wheelchairs. While there is a lot of information available on ALS, it’s important to know the facts about this disease. Here are some commonly misconceptions about amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Facts About Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
ALS can generate symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness or twitches. These symptoms are similar to those of Lyme disease. Fact: ALS is not caused by Lyme disease or other infections. Unlike ALS, Lyme disease is treatable with antibiotics. Generally, a neurologist can easily tell the difference between Lyme disease and ALS, whether through an examination or testing.
There is a lot of inaccurate information on ALS. One commonly held myth is that ALS only affects motor activity and that the minds of individuals with ALS remain sharp during the course of the disease. Newer studies show that approximately 20 to 30 percent of ALS patients develop a mild cognitive impairment.
Another common misconception about ALS is that only older people can get it. This fallacy comes from the observation that older people get degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and ALS, and older individuals living with these conditions often become the public face. The truth is that the median age for the onset of ALS is only 54. Additionally, Lou Gehrig was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in his 30s. When it comes to ALS, the age range is large.
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