Many people are diagnosed with ALS every year in the United States.
Unfortunately, the cause behind this disease is often difficult to understand. Many experts suggest that there are many risk factors involved in the underlying cause of ALS. It is important to know that this disease can affect people differently. However, the progression of ALS usually follows a certain set of stages. Keep reading to learn more about these stages. With this information, you can decide if your elderly loved one might need to see their doctor for ALS testing.
Early Stage
In most cases, people notice symptoms of ALS in a certain area of their body. The majority of people find that during the early stages of ALS their breathing, swallowing, and speaking muscles are affected. Some of the symptoms that your elderly loved one might have if they have ALS include the following:
- Total Exhaustion
- Trouble with balance
- Slurring of speech
- Stumbling
- Weaker grip
If your elderly loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is best to speak with their doctor for further assistance.
Middle Stage
During the middle stages of ALS, a person’s muscles might become paralyzed. However, some people might only have weakened muscles during this stage. Some people with ALS might not find any changes in their muscles during the middle stage of this disease. Some symptoms of middle stage ALS include the following:
- Problems swallowing and eating
- Issues standing upright by oneself
- Trouble breathing while lying in certain positions
- Uncontrollable crying or laughing
These are only a few symptoms that your elderly loved one might experience during the middle stage of ALS. As a family caregiver, you should watch out for other types of symptoms that show up out of the blue and stick around for more than a few days. If you or an elder care provider recognize these symptoms, be sure your elderly loved one goes to the doctor soon to be checked out.
Late Stage
During the late stage of ALS, a person most likely will need full-time assistance. They probably won’t be able to talk anymore. Unfortunately, a person will no longer be able to eat on their own. Some of the other symptoms during the late stages of this disease include the following:
- Muscle paralysis
- Serious issues with breathing
- Major problems with mobility
During this stage of ALS, your elderly loved one will probably need 24-hour elder care services. This could mean that nurses will need to come into their homes and stay all the time.
ALS: Conclusion
It can be difficult to figure out if your loved one has ALS. The best thing to do if they are experiencing symptoms of the disease is to have them see their doctor. A medical professional will be able to make a proper diagnosis. They can also help assist your elderly loved one if they have ALS.
For more information about hiring Elderly Care in La Costa, CA, call the friendly caregivers at La Jolla Nurses Homecare who can help your aging parents remain in their own homes, at 858-454-9339. We are a home care agency providing quality and affordable senior care in La Jolla, CA, and the surrounding communities.
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