Crash

Hi All. I am new at this my Mom was given the ALS news in Oct 2009. It really seems to be effecting her memory - speech - swallowing- breathing very quickly. I thought maybe she had a stroke in April. The MRI came back all clear no stroke. Than this ALS was dropped on us in Oct. Does this disease usually effect the mind and does it move this rapidly? Any input would be appreciated.

My Mom was given the news about ALS on Oct 19 2009. We thought she might have had a stroke or something back in April during her knee replacement surgery. No such luck. I was told by the Dr's in late Aug 2009 ALS could be in the mix. On Oct 19 2009 the Dr confirmed ALS out loud to Mom Dad & me. Mom cried so did Dad and I. Than later that day Mom said she wished the Dr's would find out what is wrong with her she is tired of all these tests etc. I spoke with her Dr about Mom's memory issue. Is this quite common in most ALS cases? I have read that it usual does not effect the mind. Mom is just confused about everything and I just want things to stop and make sense for a minute. It seems that the progression in my Mom is so rapid from April till now. Her speach is so mumbled like marbles in her mouth and her memory also she cannot swallow food very easily anymore plus her breathing. To top things off I live 5000km from my parents. Any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated.