Caregivers

Cognitive & Behavioral Changes

Changes in thinking, behavior, personality, language, or emotional expression can be difficult for everyone. Record specific examples and bring them to the ALS team.

What caregivers may notice

Caregivers may notice changes in planning, judgment, language, social behavior, motivation, emotional expression, or awareness. A single behavior does not establish a diagnosis, and changes can have more than one possible cause.

Open Thinking, Behavior & Emotional Health

Sources: Caregiver Resources · Caring and MND: Support for You

Bring observations, not conclusions

  • What happened and when?
  • How often does it happen?
  • What was the setting, trigger, or change in routine?
  • Does it affect safety, medication, finances, driving, communication, eating, or consent?
  • What helps or makes it worse?
  • What does the person say they are experiencing?

Sources: Caregiver Resources · Caring and MND: Support for You

Make the environment safer

Ask the care team about supervision, medication organization, financial safeguards, communication supports, driving, consent, and emergency planning. Do not use this page to label the person or to make a treatment change without the clinical team.

Sources: Caregiver Resources · Caring and MND: Support for You

When to seek urgent help

A sudden or severe change, immediate danger, inability to stay safe, new neurological symptoms, or threats of harm needs prompt clinical or emergency evaluation. Caregivers should not try to manage an unsafe crisis alone.

Sources: Caregiver Resources

Sources & Further Reading

These source cards link directly to the original material. External websites open in a new tab.

Caregiver information is educational and does not replace individualized instruction from the ALS team, a licensed clinician, an employer or benefits professional, or an emergency response system.

Caregiver information last reviewed: 09-30-2026

Back to Caregiver Home