 
SERVICES, RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND CARE
About 30,000 Americans suffer from ALS at any given time. The Eleanor and Lou Gehrig MDA/ALS Multidisciplinary Care Center at Columbia University sees approximately 300 new patients annually from the United States and abroad, each of whom presents a special set of needs. In addition, the Center specializes in the care of patients with Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS) and Progressive Muscular Atrophy (PMA).
Diagnosing and treating ALS is both difficult and complex. For ALS patients, quality of life is directly linked to the timeliness and appropriateness of the care they receive, beginning with diagnosis and continuing through each stage of ALS. If ALS is diagnosed, the multidisciplinary team, under the direction of Dr. Hiroshi Mitsumoto, creates a plan for comprehensive treatment in a compassionate setting that will address the patient's individual needs — because each person with ALS is different. Team members work with each patient to maintain muscle function and the ability to perform daily activities. ALS neurologists, nurse practitioners, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, nutritionists, pulmonologists and gastroenterologists collaborate to promote the highest functioning possible, support independence and maintain quality of life for patients throughout the course of their disease. In addition to patient care, the ALS Center staff provides support to the patient’s family and caregivers.
If you or a loved one has ALS, the Eleanor and Lou Gehrig MDA/ALS Multidisciplinary Care Center is prepared to help you.
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