Neurodegenerative Disease Series-ALS: Symptoms, Progression, and Therapy Approaches ecourse
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.
AOTA Classification Codes:
Domain of OT: Activity Demands
OT Process: Evaluation, Intervention
This is a recording of a live stream presentation.
Course Requirements:
- Computer with internet and working speakers/sound are required for this course.
- Course must be completed within 30 days of activation (activate course within 6 months of purchase).
- An online multiple-choice quiz (80% passing score) and submission of an online evaluation form are required for successful completion.
- A certificate of completion will be available to print immediately after course is successfully completed.
- SLPs - ASHA CEUs may be obtained by completing the online ASHA form and checking the "Report to ASHA" box.
Course Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- list specific symptoms of ALS and the impact these have on cognition and swallowing
- identify possible adverse side effects of medications and CAM
- analyze exercises and tools to construct an appropriate therapy plan for the ALS patient
- educate and explain options for nutrition/hydration to assist patients and family in their decision making for modifications and quality of life
Course Instructor(s)
Denise Dougherty
MA, CCC-SLP
Denise Dougherty, MA, CCC-SLP
Denise owns and operates a private practice in Indiana, PA, where she conducts therapy with both children and adults. She is a legal consultant/expert witness in wrongful death/negligence lawsuits involving dysphagia. Denise is a co-editor of Private Practice Essentials: A Practical Guide for Speech-Language Pathologists, published by ASHA Press. She has presented workshops and written numerous articles appearing in the ASHA Leader on the topic of private practice. Denise served as a consultant for The Arijah Children’s Foundation in Anguilla, BWI, providing evaluations and therapy programs for special needs children. Ms. Dougherty was an adjunct faculty member at York College of Pennsylvania and Wesley College in Dover, Delaware. She is a past President of the American Academy of Private Practice in Speech Pathology and Audiology (AAPPSPA), and received the Academy’s 2007 Honor Award and 2014 Award of Excellence for her achievements. Ms. Dougherty is a member of the Technical Experts Panel for Quality of Insights of Pennsylvania, working on initiating quality measures for CMS to improve effectiveness, efficiency, economy and quality of services delivered to Medicare beneficiaries. She received her bachelor’s degree in communication disorders from Marywood University in Scranton, Pennsylvania; a master’s degree in communication disorders from St. Louis University. Ms. Dougherty is certified in VitalStim® therapy and is a VitalStim® instructor, has completed additional training in orofacial myology, is a member of the American Speech, Language and Hearing Association and has received numerous ASHA ACE Awards. For more information, please visit www.dldspeechpath.com.
Financial Disclosure Denise receives honoraria from CIAO for the presentation of her live courses and royalties for the sale of her online courses. Denise is in private practice and receives legal consultant/expert witness fees
Non-Financial Disclosure: There are no non-financial relationships to disclose.
Course Agenda
19 Minutes
Overview of Neurodegenerative Disorders
65 Minutes
Diagnosis, ALS, Symptoms and Co-morbidities
80 Minutes
The M’s! Mouth care and Medications including CAM, Side Effects and Medication Review
40 Minutes
Assessments for Cognition and Swallowing
46 Minutes
Literature Review, Studies and Take-Aways
37 Minutes
Nutrition, Hydration and Therapeutic Interventions
Contact hours pre-approved for:
- 4.5 Hours
- CIAO is an ASHA Approved Provider (0.45 ASHA CEUs) bubble sheet required
- CIAO is an AOTA Approved Provider #4119 (0.45 AOTA CEUS)
- This course meets PDU requirements for NBCOT (4.5 PDUs)
- Approved for:
- 5.0 Hours OT/COTAs in FL (CE Broker #20-975948)
The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.
Intermediate Level
0.45 ASHA CEUs
CIAO is recognized on the NBCOT Provider Registry (meets PDU requirements for NBCOT)