BRUNSWICK

Mid Coast Hospital has opened Maine’s first ALS Association-affiliated clinic for people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a physically debilitating disease. The clinic, a joint collaboration of Mid Coast Medical Group–Neurology and Mid Coast Hospital Rehabilitation in partnership with the ALS Association of Northern New England, is held the second Friday of every month.

Patients referred to the clinic can access evaluation and treatment provided by specialists in neurology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech evaluation, and social work with support from the ALS Association.

“Our ALS clinic is better aligned to meet needs of patients and their families by providing all services in one place at one time rather than having them travel to multiple locations at different times,” said John Taylor, a neurologist with Mid Coast Medical Group–Neurology and Medical Director for the ALS Clinic, in a press release.

“Maine constituents have waited a long time to have a clinic within the state and now have a local resource for care and evaluation,” said Mauret Brinser, executive director of the New Hampshire based ALS Association of Northern New England.

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects motor nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. As motor neurons progressively degenerate, people with ALS lose control of their muscles, breathing, and ability to swallow. This process may occur over a few short years leading to the need for timely intervention to help them maintain independence and support their caregivers. The clinic model is designed for this medical guidance.

Patients and their referring physicians can call Mid Coast Medical Group–Neurology at (207) 373-6099 for additional information and to schedule appointments.

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