Grant: Meetings, Planning and Dissemination Grant: INMHA

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an adult onset neurologic disorder characterized by degeneration of the voluntary motor system; the disease progresses inexorably until death ensues usually as a result of respiratory failure. Median survival after onset of symptoms is 2.5 years. It is estimated that 2-3000 Canadians currently live with ALS. Because of the rapid disease course and ominous prognosis, there is tremendous pressure to develop treatments for ALS while addressing quality of life and quality of care issues. The ALS Society will therefore sponsor this event:'ALS Strategies for Quality of Life/ Quality of Care'Day on June 8, 2010. The ALS Day includes a comprehensive review of current topics in ALS including basic and clinical research, patient care management, and advocacy. Our aim is to provide interactive full day sessions with patients, caregivers, allied health professionals, neurologists, physiatrists, scientists, and community support agencies. The 2010 ALS Day event will include platform speakers, special focus breakout sessions, and ample time periods for both formal and unstructured discussion. While integration of basic science and clinical knowledge will provide the fastest means to generate and test ALS treatment ideas, the ALS patients, their day-to-day caregivers, and the multidisciplinary clinical support staff can provide critical feedback to help clinicians and scientists understand patients' needs and prioritize directions for new research. Activity Objectives: At the completion of this symposium participants will be able to: -Describe the current clinical and pathophysiological features of ALS -Demonstrate an understanding of research initiatives and findings in ALS -Identify approaches and research strategies to improve the survival and quality of life for people with ALS As in past years, this Day will be run in conjunction with the Canadian Neurological Sciences Federation 45th Annual Congress.