Services

Patient care includes periodic neurological examinations and psychological interviews, the latter if deemed necessary. Other active services are:

• Neurological examinations, psychological interviews and speech evaluations at home if the patient is absolutely unable to travel to the hospital

• Telemedicine activities (visits or interviews conducted online). They ensure patient care even when an in-person visit cannot be arranged

• Counseling service for the choice and use of alternative-enhancement communication tools, including high-tech equipment

• Compilation of certificates of civil disability, incapacity for work and disease staging with the collaboration of a social worker who can provide specific assistance

• Individual psychological assistance for patients and family members who request it

• Support groups aimed at patients and family members

• Supervision meetings with physicians and psychologists (CRESLA, spoke centers)

• Neurogenetic counseling

Reference:

• The Regional Expert Center for ALS (CRESLA) in Turin is the Regional Reference Center for ALS (D.G.R.December 30, 2009, no. 27-12969). 

• Research activities are aimed at studying ALS on the clinical, epidemiological, cognitive, genetic, neuropathological and neurobiological sides. Clinical research activities are carried out in the field of clinical trials, including academic trials, the study of structural and functional neuroimaging markers (MRI and PET), and the study of phenotypic variants (deep phenotyping), with emphasis on cognitive aspects. 

• The neuroepidemiological activities of CRESLA are afferent to the Piedmont and Valdostan Registry for ALS (PARALS), recognized as a regional registry of relevant health interest (B.U. Regione Piemonte 19/04/2012, Regional Law April 11, 2012, no. 4). The Registry has been operational since 1995 and is the largest ALS registry worldwide. 

• Genetic research activity uses advanced techniques such as GWAS, exomesequencing and genomesequencing and is aimed at identifying both disease-causing genes and phenotype regulatory genes (age of onset, clinical presentation and disease progression). CRESLA is a consortium center of the National ALS Genetics Group (ITALSGEN Consortium) and has active international collaborations in both Europe and the United States. 

• Neurobiological research activity is aimed at identifying biomarkers of the disease, particularly