Factors Reducing Pressure Ulcer Risk and the Importance of Care in ALS Patients: A Comprehensive Review

Authors

  • Yuriko Inoue Department of Anatomy, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
  • Mikako Tanaka Faculty of Engineering, Yokohama National University, Kanagawa, Japan
  • Hiromitsu Ezure Department of Anatomy, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
  • Junji Ito School of Nursing and Rehabilitation Sciences, Showa University Department of Nursing, Kanagawa, Japan
  • Akiko Sasaki Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Showa University, Tokyo, Japan
  • Takashi Takaki Center for Electron Microscopy, Showa University School, Tokyo, Japan
  • Harumi Hata Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Teikyo Heisei University, Tokyo, Japan
  • Masaaki Takayanagi Department of Pharmcology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan. Saitama Prefectural University, Saitama, Japan
  • Naruhito Otsuka Department of Anatomy, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14738/bjhr.1201.18127

Keywords:

ALS, Pressure Ulcer Prevention, Muscle Atrophy, Caregiver Education, Nutritional Management, Advanced Technologies

Abstract

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by muscle atrophy, weakness, and loss of motor function. ALS patients are often bedridden for extended periods, increasing their risk of pressure ulcers. However, clinical data suggests that the incidence of pressure ulcers in ALS patients is lower compared to other bedridden patients. This review analyzes the factors contributing to reduced pressure ulcer risk in ALS patients, focusing on "pressure redistribution due to muscle atrophy," "stabilized postures caused by joint contractures," and "comprehensive care provided by caregivers." Additionally, this paper discusses a comprehensive approach to pressure ulcer prevention, including nutritional management, skincare, pressure redistribution techniques, and advanced technologies. Challenges in pressure ulcer prevention and the importance of ALS-specific care are also emphasized.

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Published

2025-02-25

How to Cite

Inoue, Y., Tanaka, M., Ezure, H., Ito, J., Sasaki, A., Takaki, T., … Otsuka, N. (2025). Factors Reducing Pressure Ulcer Risk and the Importance of Care in ALS Patients: A Comprehensive Review. British Journal of Healthcare and Medical Research, 12(01), 01–06. https://doi.org/10.14738/bjhr.1201.18127