[Communication aids in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis].

Many patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis lose the ability to speak, and in late-stage disease also the ability to communicate through gestures. Social isolation is one of the greatest burdens of this disease. Implementation of alternative and augmentative communication can increase the quality of life even in advanced disease.We have systematically recorded alternative and augmentative communication aids given to patients treated by the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis team at Ullevål University Hospital from 1998 to 2005, and evaluated the results in the light of current literature.62 out of 92 patients received alternative and augmentative communication aids. Alternative and augmentative communication was more often used by female than male patients (p = 0.01). Except for two who developed dementia, all patients were able to express basic needs until the terminal stage of the disease.Most patients retain enough mobility of head and eyes to use communication aids until the terminal stage. Physicians must know the possibilities and limitations of assisted and augmentative communication in order to give appropriate treatment and information, also concerning life-sustaining treatment.