Nursing 310: Principles of Pathophysiology
I enhanced this nursing class and was given the opportunity to learn more about a disease that means so much to me.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is near and dear to my heart because my uncle died from the disease about a year ago. I chose to investigate this disease further for my enhancement project. I learned that there is really no predisposing factors that can cause one to have the disease. The disease has a sporadic origin and has a large impact on military veterans. Also, the disease results in a deterioration of the motor neurons in the body which in turn leads to destruction of voluntary muscle movements. These movements include writing, lifting a cup, walking, chewing, swallowing, and can lead to an inability to breathe deeply leading to respiratory infections. Respiratory infections is the leading cause of death in patients with ALS. In addition, the survival rate for people with ALS is very poor. Only about 5% of people with disease live beyond 20 years once diagnosed. Also, it gets worse because there is no cure for the disease at this point. There is only one FDA approved drug on the market that slows the progression of the disease. However, this disease may or may not work on some patients and can lose its effectiveness overtime.
The Ice Bucket Challenge was the biggest success for this disease because millions of dollars were raised to help fun research into better understanding the causes of the disease and the possible medications.
I was really happy that I was able to learn more about this disease because I feel like I was able to become closer with my uncle in a way. I learned so much more about ALS and can better understand how my uncle lived towards the end of his life. My uncle was diagnosed at the age of 69 and survived for less than a year. He refused treatment and lost his motor functions very quickly.
This disease is devastating and can be different for everyone. It could progress slowly or it can be rapid and deadly. I think the scariest thing about this disease is that your body is deteriorating as your mind remains intact and is able to watch all of this happen.
This is my poster that I presented on at the Honors Poster Presentation!
