Integrating Palliative Care in ALS: Managing Symptoms and Improving Quality of Life

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by worsening motor function, leading to significant physical disability, communication challenges, and ultimately respiratory failure. Although advances in supportive care have improved survival, people living with ALS experience substantial symptom burden, including dyspnea, dysphagia, and psychosocial distress, and report diminished quality of life for both them and their caregivers. Palliative care offers an essential framework to address these complex needs; however, it is often underutilized or introduced late in the disease course.

In this Interprofessional Grand Rounds session, presenters will explore the role and impact of integrating palliative care into ALS management through a patient-centered, case-based discussion. Drawing on clinical experience, the session will highlight evidence-based strategies for symptom management, approaches to advance care planning and goals of care conversations, and the importance of coordinated, interprofessional collaboration across neurology, nursing, rehabilitation, respiratory therapy, and social work. The discussion will emphasize recognizing and addressing caregiver and psychosocial needs to improve quality of life throughout the disease trajectory.