Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Related Disorders Clinic

The ALSRD Clinic at the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health provides ongoing assessment, intervention, consultation, and educational services to people with ALS and related MNDs.

The clinic is a trans-disciplinary entity providing clinical care and related services to affected patients and their families from BC. Staff in the program are also involved in teaching residents and fellows, as well as doing clinical and translational research. The ALSRD Clinic is staffed by four ALS specialist neurologists, as well as the highly trained ALS Team, which includes registered nurses, physical and occupational therapists, a speech and language pathologists, dietician and social workers.

The ALS Society of BC (ALSBC) and the program have consolidated an innovative partnership to provide a successful outreach clinic program for areas of the province difficult to reach for disabled patients, including Chilliwack, Kelowna, Prince George, Comox and Nanaimo. The clinic is part of the overarching ALSRD program, whose mission is to expand its clinical trials, translational and basic research in identifying novel diagnostics and targets for effective therapeutics in these disorders.

​EMG Technologist

The EMG Technologist on the team helps the Neurologist evaluate nerve and muscle function. The Technologist uses electrical pulses to stimulate and record nerve potentials and assists the Neurologist with using small needle electrodes to assess muscle function.

Social Worker

The Social Worker provides therapeutic psychosocial and emotional support to clients and families around this life-changing diagnosis. The Social Worker also provides assistance to help with processing and adjusting to the diagnosis and progression over time while assisting in navigating the health-care system. In addition, the Social Worker will help to facilitate supportive discussions about what is important to the client regarding future health care decision-making, autonomy and quality of life.

Speech-Language Pathologist

The Speech-Language Pathologist assesses swallowing needs and provides compensatory techniques and diet textures to promote safe swallowing. The Speech-Language Pathologist also evaluates communication and recommends strategies to support speech and appropriate augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems.

Registered Dietitian

The Registered Dietitian assesses nutrition and hydration status. The Dietitian works with clients and families to provide education to meet nutritional needs and minimize unwanted weight loss in collaboration with the Speech-Language Pathologist on food and liquid consistencies for the safest swallow.

Physiotherapist

The Physiotherapist optimizes safe and independent mobility by recommending gait aids and lower limb bracing as appropriate and implementing individualized exercise programs to maximize comfort and function. The Physiotherapist also assists with cardiorespiratory management strategies to optimize lung function and facilitate secretion clearance.

Occupational Therapist

An Occupational Therapist helps to solve problems that interfere with a person's ability to do everyday activities that are important to them. This includes everything from dressing, bathing, eating, and moving around the house. The Occupational Therapist also enables a person to participate in work and community activities through adaptation, modification, equipment and assistive technology.

Registered Nurse

The Registered Nurse helps assess and manage client symptoms, recommends treatments, and refers to other health care professionals as necessary. The Registered Nurse also provides education about the disease and current research in ALS to clients, their families and local community health teams.