About ALS

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that involves the degeneration of motor nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. As the disease progresses, muscles weaken to the point of total paralysis.

ALS affects about 3,000 Canadians. Most patients succumb to the disease within five years of diagnosis. There is no cure but progress has been made in recent years to enable patients to live longer and more productive lives.

Research

The Neuro’s experts conduct advanced ALS research in collaboration with national and international partners. This includes basic, clinical and translational approaches to investigate the genetic causes, identify key biomarkers, pathways for future therapies and optimize care to improve the quality of life.

Patient Care

The ALS Clinic at The Neuro provides specialized care, support and education to patients and families from initial diagnosis to advanced stages of ALS. About 250 ALS patients are actively observed and treated at the Clinic. Between 60 and 80 new cases are diagnosed here each year.

We offer:

• Access to a multidisciplinary team – respiratory therapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, inhalation therapy, specialized nursing, genetics counsellor, social work, spiritual care services, speech language therapy, and nutrition
• Patients also have access to the latest clinical trials and therapies. Clinical trial participation is offered to all appropriate and eligible ALS clinic patients.
• The program has become a reference center for patients in need of tracheostomy, ventilatory assistance at home, BIPAP (Bi-level positive air pressure machine) and gastrostomy (assisted nutritional support).

Contact Us

tel: 514-398-5262

fax: 514-398-7454