Vanderbilt ALS Center provides the highest level of specialized care for people living with ALS

Nashville — The ALS Association announced a new partnership with the Vanderbilt Neuromuscular Disorders Clinic. As an Affiliated ALS Clinic, the Vanderbilt ALS Center delivers a multidisciplinary model of care and meets the highest quality of standardized care in the management of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Eventually, people with ALS lose the ability to initiate and control muscle movement, which often leads to total paralysis and death within five years of diagnosis. There is currently no cure and no life-prolonging treatments for the disease. 

The ALS Association collaborates with the best ALS physicians and clinics across the United States to make sure people living with the disease have access to specialized care based on national standards in the management of ALS. The ALS Association Affiliated ALS Clinics provide compassionate care in a supportive, family-oriented atmosphere with an emphasis on hope and quality of life.

“The Vanderbilt ALS Center is excited to announce its new partnership with The ALS Association,” said Clinic Director, Dr. Amanda C. Peltier, “and are eager to work with the Association to provide resources for people living with ALS in Tennessee. Vanderbilt University Medical Center has had a dedicated ALS clinic since 2008. There are four ALS Neuromuscular specialists, two nurse practitioners, one pulmonologist, one palliative care specialist, in addition to clinicians in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Respiratory Therapy, Speech Therapy, social work and assistive technology, all dedicated to care of our ALS patients.”

The multidisciplinary care model brings together a team of specially trained health care professionals to collaborate and provide the most comprehensive treatment plan for people living with ALS. Research shows that this model of care helps people with ALS achieve a better quality of life and prolongs life in many cases.

“The care that people receive here is a model for other parts of the country and I’m proud that we are now affiliated with the Vanderbilt Neuromuscular Disorders Clinic and its outstanding multidisciplinary approach to treating people with this devastating disease,” said Cal Brooks, Territory Executive.

Beyond multidisciplinary clinics, The ALS Association is proud to assist people living with ALS in Tennessee by providing dedicated time with care services coordinators, support groups for people living with ALS and caregivers, financial assistance, and a robust equipment loan program.

To learn more about Affiliated ALS Clinics and the multidisciplinary care model, please visit als.org/local-support/certified-centers-clinics.