Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a challenge for constant adaptation.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a degenerative motor disease of unknown etiology with insidious onset and a progressive course. It interferes with a wide variety of patient motor activities, which may include those controlled by the lower cranial nerves--swallowing, speech, and respiration. Many health professionals should be involved early on to maintain an optimal quality of life for the patient and family. When possible, other supportive patients, families, and ALS groups should be contacted for emotional support and practical information. Nursing care should be adaptive, and the confidence of the patient maintained in a variety of settings. Research about ALS is often of vital interest to patients and may give them a purpose for living and hope for ultimate benefit to others. Final decisions regarding care should be made by the patient and his primary caregiver.