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Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis & Frontotemporal Impairment: A Qualitative Study Of The Caregiving Experience, Michelle Dube

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

Living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a complex and difficult experience that necessitates numerous lifestyle changes for the patient and caregiver. Although ALS was previously regarded as a disease that primarily affects the motor system and spares non-motor functions, it is now recognized that a sizable proportion of the ALS population demonstrates frontotemporal impairment (ALS+FTI), with a subset of the population meeting criteria for frontotemporal dementia. Clinically, ALS and FTI differ in many respects; however, both diseases are progressive and necessitate dependence on caregivers for assistance with activities of daily living and beyond. Although the relationship between ALS and …