ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines the concepts related to best practices for the management of individuals with life-limiting conditions secondary to progressive neurological diseases. Concepts described include incidence and mortality rates globally and specific to the United States; condition characteristics including typical symptom presentation by diagnosis; diagnostic criteria; causative risk factors; common functional presentation by diagnosis; prognosis and early and late-stage disease trajectory. Diagnoses such as dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease) are detailed. Outcome measures by impairment are also described by diagnosis, as is the multidisciplinary management of progressive neurological diseases, including palliative care and hospice.
