[Handicap and quality of life evaluation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis]

Rev Neurol (Paris). 2006 Jun:162 Spec No 2:4S205-4S207.
[Article in French]

Abstract

The impact of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and consequent disability on everyday life can be assessed with generic or specific and/or functional quality of life scales. Generic scales SF36, SIP (Sickness Impact Profiles) and SIP/ALS 19, SEIQoL have been validated for the assessment of quality of life in SLA. A specific scale has also been worked out and validated in this disease, the ALSAQ-40 scale. The ALSFRS (ALS Functional Rating Scale) is a tool validated to evaluate the patient's functional capacities. However, the patient's quality of life felt does not depend only on the disease course but also the patient's previous psychological profile, the environmental, social conditions and spiritual aspirations. The absence of a cognitive deficit makes the patient particularly lucid about the progressive degradation of health status. Evaluation must be carried out with individually for each patient, taking into account the social and familial environments, to appreciate real living conditions, and the impact of this degenerative disease.

Publication types

  • Consensus Development Conference
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis* / diagnosis
  • Disability Evaluation*
  • Humans
  • Quality of Life*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires