The Role of Nurses in Holistic Care for Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Abstract

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) also known as "motor neuron disease" is a neurodegenerative disease that leads to the degeneration of motor neurons, affecting muscle function and body movement that significantly impacts patients’ physical functions causing patients to lose the functional movement, eventually affects to respiratory function as dyspnea, fatigue, and ultimately die from respiratory failure. The average life expectancy of ALS patients is approximately 2 to 4 years after diagnosis. Currently, there are no medications that can cure ALS but it can slightly extend life expectancy and symptoms management. The exact cause remains unknown. However, research suggests that a combination of genetic and environmental factors may trigger the disease. Therefore, caring for ALS patients focuses on maintaining quality of life and providing access to effective treatments. Caring requires an integrated and multidisciplinary approach. Nurses play a vital role in the assessment and management of symptoms and complications, coordinating treatment, providing psychological support, and preparing patients for palliative and end-of-life care. This article aims to provide an overview of the nurse's role in delivering holistic care to ALS patients, with the goal of promoting the best possible quality of life for both patients and their families.