Ways to Promote ALS Awareness in Memory Care Residents

Until recently, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease and dementia were seen as two separate conditions only rarely co-existing. Thanks to additional research, that view has changed. ALS and memory impairment are now viewed as a common pair of conditions in seniors. Recent studies have indicated up to 50% of ALS patients have mild to moderate cognitive challenges.

With that in mind, if you or a senior loved one has been diagnosed with the disease it’s wise to take time to raise ALS awareness and potential challenges with cognitive decline. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of dementia in people with ALS will help you know whether you or your senior loved one will need the specialized care that addresses both conditions. The gold standard for diagnosing cognitive and behavioral impairment in ALS is a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation. Screening tools that are useful for evaluating the presence/absence of cognitive and behavioral impairment in ALS include:

Word Generation Tests and Neurobehavioral Questionnaires.

The most commonly documented sign of cognitive and/or behavioral impairment in ALS is in the domain of executive function. Executive function impairment can reflect disturbances in reasoning, judgment, sequencing, ordering, inferring, regulating emotions, planning, retrieval inefficiency, and a person’s ability to be self-aware.

Dementia-like symptoms in those dealing with the challenges of ALS usually appear as changes in personality and behavior. Behavioral challenges associated with ALS mimic that of Frontotemporal dementia. The nature and severity vary in each person, but the following several behavioral and cognitive symptoms are common:

1. Apathy – Basic motivations to do things like getting up and going in the morning wanes. Lack of interest in what’s going on around you diminishes. This can be as simple as not looking up when someone new enters the room or as dramatic as being unfazed by a loud noise. With apathy, emotions are deadened. Things that once made you happy or excited like familiar family and friends may not register any emotional response favorite sports.


2. Being less spontaneous – Routines become set. Going out for a spur of the moment walk or to fulfill a craving for an afternoon ice cream cone are no longer something they initiate.


3. Lack of emotion & Mood Changes – Emotional response changes with progression, humor and sadness may not be expressed or register a response.


4. Restlessness – Getting comfortable can be a challenge. Pacing, fidgeting, or sitting still may become challenges and make it difficult to comfortably rest.


5. Less inhibition – Damage to the frontal lobe impacts inhibition, where they used to be reserved, they might speak out more. Social pleasantries are no longer exercised, they may simply reach out and take things they want rather than ask if they can have them.


6. Memory loss – Forgetting names, struggling to find the right words, or repeating something they just said is another symptom of dementia.


7. Loss of reasoning and problem-solving abilities – Where complicated tasks and problems were easily solved, new difficulties may be experienced with day-to-day tasks and use of common items.


8. Inability to speak or understand what is being said – This is more than simply forgetting the word for something or getting confused amid a conversation. They may want to say something but can’t get it out or are unable to comprehend simple requests or follow directions.


9. Unusual or repetitive rituals – These might involve wandering, dressing, eating and using the bathroom. Hoarding behavior, overeating, and drinking can also signal the onset of dementia.

If you notice any of these symptoms in a loved one who has been diagnosed with ALS. A supportive environment, thoughtfully designed to support individuals living with cognitive challenges is an important to take into consideration their future needs.

Specialized memory care communities designed to help residents enjoy life in a safe and mentally supportive environment contribute to an enhanced quality of life. Familiarizing yourself with the various ways to promote ALS awareness in memory care patients can help you or your senior loved one live life in the fullest way possible.

MorningStar Senior Living — Memory Care Community

If your loved one lives far from family and friends, it could be time to move into a memory care community near their adult children where they’ll have the companionship of fellow seniors and a compassionate service team. At MorningStar Senior Living, a 24/7 team is dedicated to offering care and hospitality services that meet each resident’s social, emotional, physical, and spiritual needs.