How does ALS typically progress?
ALS progression can vary considerably with different patients. A common progression is as follows: Difficulty walking resulting in the use of a cane followed by a walker and then a wheelchair. As the legs get weaker, so do the arms and hands. The patient loses the ability to write, type, and feed themselves. As the muscles of the limbs become weaker, difficulties in speaking and swallowing begin to occur. This may result in the need for an augmentative communication system in order to communicate and a feeding tube in order to get adequate nutrition. Typically, the ALS patient has a gradual decrease in lung vital capacity as the muscles of the chest and the diaphragm begin to weaken. When lung vital capacity drops below 50%, the ALS patient needs to consider using a ventilator in order to stay alive. This progression may be as quick as six months.
