Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month in Assisted Living Facilities
The diagnosis of spinal muscular atrophy can be life-changing, with major adjustments in everyday life can be overwhelming. Add to that the need for more treatment options, and leading a normal life despite the diagnosis can be challenging. August is Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month, an event dedicated to increasing awareness about this hereditary neurological condition. It is also a great opportunity to support those diagnosed with the illness. Staying informed about the condition is the key to managing the disease, and this is what Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month in Assisted Living Facilities is all about.
What is Spinal Muscular Atrophy?
Spinal Muscular Atrophy is a genetic neurological illness primarily affecting motor neurons, leading to progressive muscle degeneration. This condition is usually identified in infancy and affects approximately 10,000 infants and younger children. The degenerative disease also affects adults, with primary symptoms of voluntary muscle paralysis, swallowing difficulties, and scoliosis.
Different types of Spinal Muscular Atrophy require varying treatments. After diagnosis, ongoing tests and physical examinations are done for treatment planning options and better disease management. Fortunately, improved treatments, therapies, and medications are now available, allowing children, adults, and seniors in assisted living facilities dealing with Spinal Muscular Atrophy to live fulfilling lives.
Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month in Assisted Living Facilities
This is what Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month is all about: highlighting the importance of information dissemination, education, and financial support. These are vital in the quest for a cure through continuous research. This yearly event is also an opportunity to educate people and change the lives of those affected by Spinal Muscular Atrophy.
Assisted living facilities also participate in this annual event through various activities, such as information and education sharing, community outreach, and improving the facility environment to address specific challenges residents face with Spinal Muscular Atrophy.
Management should facilitate informative programs for residents’ families and training for staff. Counseling and social programs must also be included for families and residents to better cope with the issues that come with the condition.
Come together and remember friends or loved ones diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Encourage everyone in your circle to participate in various activities, symposiums, and fundraising programs. Collective efforts can go a long way and significantly impact the lives of people suffering from Spinal Muscular Atrophy.
All About Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a rare genetic neuromuscular disorder. Four different types of SMA are categorized by the age at which the disease was detected and the severity of the condition.
SMA type 0 (congenital SMA)
This condition affects the fetus before birth, resulting in infants having severe muscle weakness and then death within the first few months of birth.
SMA type 1 (severe SMA or Werdnig-Hoffman disease)
Symptoms are observed within the first six months of birth. Infants with type 1 SMA have difficulty breathing and swallowing and limited head control.
SMA type 2 (intermediate SMA or Dubowitz disease)
Symptoms start to appear between 6-18 months of life when children with this condition cannot walk. Life expectancy is 25 years old, with respiratory issues being the main cause of death.
SMA type 3 (mild or Kugelbert-Welander disease)
Symptoms like lower limb muscle weakness and difficulty walking appear after 18 months of life.
SMA type 4 (adult)
It is the mildest form of Spinal Muscular Atrophy, with weak muscle symptoms only starting to appear after age 21.
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