Date/Location:

January 4 – February 15, 2021

Description:

Malnutrition, dehydration and changes in body composition (fat mass [FM] and fat-free mass [FFM]) are common in ALS as the disease progresses.1-3 The nutritional deficiency resembles marasmus, a state of caloric deficiency. Malnutrition and dehydration are mainly due to dysphagia, but also compounded by depression, limb weakness and respiratory compromise; cognitive, behavioral, and psychological impairment; and sometimes unavailability of caregivers. Malnutrition causes progressive loss of weight, FM and FFM. Malnutrition, dehydration and loss of body composition are associated with shortened survival. Identifying and managing malnutrition and hydration, and conserving or minimizing loss of body composition early, are crucial to slow disease progression, prolong survival and possibly enhance quality of life. The ALS Practice Parameters provide recommendations for management of nutrition and some other disease aspects; however, there is scant information on an algorithmic approach to reliably identifying and treating dehydration and body composition loss. Based on the literature and prospective data, this review will: 1) Highlight effects of maintaining nutrition, hydration and body composition on disease progression and survival; and 2) Provide a simple, algorithmic approach to optimizing the care of patients in the real world using validated equations, created from data gathered during clinic visits, to optimize nutrition, hydration and body composition.

Speakers:

Edward J. Kasarskis

Learning Outcomes:

By attending this webinar, participants will become familiar with changes in the nutritional and hydration status, and in body composition, in ALS with progressive disease

By attending this webinar, participants will become familiar with consequences of these changes on the progression of disease and survival in ALS

By attending this webinar, participants will become familiar with algorithmic approach to optimizing care in real world ALS patients

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CEUs This activity is offered for up to 0.1 CEUs (1.0 hour of instruction). To register for CEUs:  

Download and complete the following forms.

Save the files names: 2021_ALSA12_Lastname_Firstname

Send both files to ceus@aacinstitute.org

Upon completion of the two forms and passing the quiz, a CEU certificate will be sent

Note: If any difficulty is encountered in using this form, write to ceus@aacinstitute.org to request an alternative file format.