Neurodegenerative Disease Series: ALS - Symptoms, Progression and Therapy Approaches

There are two ways to participate: in the LIVE STUDIO audience in Gulf Breeze, Florida or via LIVE STREAM around the world. Live stream participants will login to access the event from their computer and interact with the instructor. Studio audience seats are limited - so register today!
Please contact our office if you have any questions. 850-916-8886.
Course begins: 9:00 AM Central (10:00 AM Eastern; 9:00 AM Mountain; 7:00 AM Pacific)


Therapists are challenged by patients diagnosed with ALS to provide appropriate therapies and work within our standard practice of care. We must know the impact ALS has on cognition and swallowing, the impact of medications and what therapy tools/techniques can make an impact on their cognition, swallowing and quality of life. This seminar will provide information on the diagnostic process, theories on development of the disease, symptoms that present in early ALS as well as the later stages. Medications may improve quality of life for our patients but may also become ineffective. Medication protocols will be discussed as well as CAM or complimentary alternative medicine. Numerous therapy techniques and tools available will be presented with rationale for their use. Recommendations for modified diets, liquids or even NPO may not be acceptable to the patient and/or family. As therapists, we need to know what options are available and educate/inform our patients and families to allow them to make decisions that work for them. Options will be addressed as well as concerns with waivers and need for appropriate, thorough documentation.

Course Level: Introductory

Assessment Methods: Labs, Case Study Discussions, Q&A, Self-Assessment on Evaluation
For events that are Live Streamed, the streaming participants will verify attendance through codes given throughout course and complete a multiple choice quiz (80% passing score) and evaluation at the end

AOTA Classification Codes:
Domain of OT: Activity Demands
OT Process: Evaluation, Intervention

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:


Course Instructor(s)


Course Agenda

Day 1

09:00 - 09:10
Introduction (10:00 AM Eastern; 8:00 AM Mountain; 7:00 AM Pacific)
09:10 - 09:30
Overview of Neurodegenerative Disorders
09:30 - 10:30
Diagnosis, ALS, Symptoms and Co-morbidities
10:30 - 10:45
Break
10:45 - 11:25
The M's! Mouth care and Medications including CAM, Side Effects and Medication Review
11:25 - 12:10
Assessments for Cognition and Swallowing
12:10 - 12:30
Break
12:30 - 01:15
Literature Review
01:15 - 02:15
Nutrition/hydration, decision making
02:15 - 02:30
Q&A Conclusion

Contact hours pre-approved for:

  • 0.45 CEUs (4.5 Contact Hours)
  • CIAO is an AOTA Approved Provider #4119 (OT/COTA)
  • This course meets PDU requirements for NBCOT (4.5 PDUs)
  • CIAO is an ASHA Approved Provider #AAWA (SLPs) requires bubble sheet submission
  • This course is offered for 0.45 ASHA CEUs (Intermediate Level, Professional Area)
  • 5.0 Hrs. OT/COTAs in FL (CE Broker #20-656918)


This course is offered for 0.45 ASHA CEUs (Intermediate Level, Professional Area)



The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.



CIAO is recognized on the NBCOT Provider Registry (meets PDU requirements for NBCOT)