What are the benefits of the ALS Functional Scale from the patient’s perspective?

The ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS-R) is an interview with 12 questions on important symptoms and motor functions, for which 5 possible answers are given. Those affected select the answer that comes closest to the actual situation. Each answer is assigned a “scale point”. Depending on the answer, four to zero points are awarded per question. After completing the interview of the twelve questions, a total score is obtained, which can be between 48 points (no symptoms or deficits) and zero points (severe deficits).

The overall score provides an important indication of the severity of the disease for those affected, but also for the ALS teams treating them. The result of this standardized interview represents an “inventory” that provides a recognized basis for therapeutic decisions – with regard to medication (e.g. DMC to improve speech), aids (e.g. wheelchair provision in the case of severe walking impairment) or for nutritional and respiratory therapy (in the case of swallowing disorders or respiratory effort).

The uniform structure of the questions ensures that relevant symptoms are recognized early and reliably and that necessary treatments are initiated in good time. From the patient’s perspective, the main benefit of the scale is the initiation of targeted care based on the ALSFRS-R