Tammy,

Your review of the site posted by David Abell was informative, concise, and included all of the elements required of the website review.

The best feature of your website review is the information about the Eyegaze System. Not only did you inform us of the basic information of the system, but also included information on which eye muscles are used to run the system. Great info!

There is no information missing and nothing could be added that would make this review any greater than it already is!

Tammy,

Your review of the site posted by the ALS Foundation was very informative and included all of the elements required of the website review.

The best feature of your website review is the various types of support available to those who have been diagnosed, but also to those close to the diagnosed. Patient, family, and caregivers can find helpful information and wonderful support when needed.

There is nothing I could suggest to add to this review, as it includes all the information you could be looking for.

Tammy,

Regarding your review of the personal website of David Abell, I found nothing missing from the required features.

The best feature of your website review is your in-depth analysis of the relationship of ALS to what we have learned in A+ P1, I found it clear and concise. I also especially like your discussion of the Eyegaze system, and I am too very curious how this works.

Overall you have done a great job, I have no suggestions for improvement.

Tammy,

Regarding your review of the ALS Association website, all aspects required are there and clearly presented.

The best feature of your review is that it gives good over-all coverage on all of the topics required, for example: what is covered on the website, relationship to A+P 1, and the best and worst features.

Specifically I think I like the description of the anatomical causes of ALS the best, because you do a good job of reminding us what we learned and how it relates to ALS. I have no suggestions for improvement, excellent job.

A WINDOW TO THE SOUL http://hometown.aol.com/abe11/Davesindex.html



This is a personal website authored by David Abell. He is a man who is currently suffering from ALS. I believe his purpose in creating this website is to share with others the emotional impact that living and dealing with a diagnosis of ALS imparts. What you will not find on this website is a great deal of detailed information about the disease because that does not appear to be his purpose. What you will find is a heart breaking and poignant poem entitled "Inside of ME". Additionally, there is a newspaper article that briefly describes David learning of his diagnosis and the progression of the disease since then. The article mentions a fascinating item; Eyegaze System. Apparently this is a technology that greatly eases the burden of this disease. David calls it his "link to the world". In essence the system uses eye movements to control the computer. By looking at control keys on the screen he can synthesize speech, control the lights and appliances in his home, operate the phone, access the internet and his email. While the site does not include any detailed information about ALS, David does supply links to the main sites that do just that.

The poem is very eloquent from an emotional standpoint, and while we have not covered emotions in Anatomy and Physiology, the problems that David encounters with this disease are a result from a direct break down in that which we have discussed; the motor neurons of the nervous system. Specifically, his motor neurons are dying and unable to transmit messages to his muscles. While ALS robs the afflicted of their motor abilities their cognitive functions remains intact. With crystal clarity the poem slams this fact home! There is another tie in to Anatomy and Physiology that has me curious; the Eyegaze system. David states that he uses eye movements to control it. We have just recently discussed the extrinsic muscles of the eye and I know that six of them are controlled voluntarily. Cranial Nerves III, IV and VI are motor neurons that innervate those eye muscles. So, how is it that David can operate the Eyegaze? I'm going to assume that as this disease progresses he will lose the ability to operate the Eyegaze.

I think most viewers will agree with me that the best thing about this website is the poem. It is the focal point of the home page. Poignant and sad, it allows the reader to really understand what this disease does and what it doesn't do from an emotional and physical stand point. I am also pleased that David tells us about the fascinating technology of Eyegaze System. (home page as well) It sounds like a wonderful tool for those afflicted to maintain some semblance of normality. I cannot fault David for not providing more information about ALS because that was obviously not his purpose in authoring the website, and he does provide links to sites with the nitty gritty. What I find missing is a link to more information about the Eyegaze. Most people coming to this site will want to know more.

Tammy Bott

LOU GEHRIG'S DISEASE! EVERYTHING YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW IN A NUTSHELL: http://www.alsa.org/?gclid=CJnaye6ClI8CFRSpIgode0ufFw
 

This website is produced by the ALS Association. They are a non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public about ALS. Whether you have been recently diagnosed, know someone who has, or just want to learn more about this disease, I would highly recommend this site as a place to go to obtain comprehensive information pertaining to ALS. "ABOUT ALS" explains what ALS is, symptoms, who gets it, forms of, and how it is diagnosed. "IN YOUR COMMUNITY" will provide those recently diagnosed with information on finding a local chapter or support group. I found "PATIENT, FAMILY, CAREGIVERS" to contain a wonderful wealth of information for those who find themselves in a caregiver situation. Finally, "FOR HEALTHCARE PROFFESIONALS" showcased up to date clinical management research information. To reiterate, this is a well rounded website for anyone seeking to learn more about ALS.

ALS is a progressive, fatal neuromuscular disease. It attacks motor neurons and their pathways in the brain and spinal cord. In Anatomy and Physiology we have discussed the spinal cord, motor neurons and the pathways of motor neurons. I have a basic understanding of how it is supposed to work. That is, a motor neuron sends its signal from the brain to the spinal cord and then to the muscles. As I recall, "terribly simple, but simply terrible", and perhaps truer words were never spoken! Essentially, the same statement could be made about ALS. Quite simply, with ALS, the motor neurons die and are unable to send their signals to the muscles. All voluntary muscles are affected and eventually waste away leaving the afflicted paralyzed. Yet, and I find this to be the terrible part, the individual retains all of his or her cognitive, higher functioning abilities.

My favorite feature of this website is the FAQ http://www.alsa.org/faq/default.cfm?CFID=4801156&CFTOKEN=97907082 It gets right to the "nuts and bolts". I also am very impressed with the resources available to caregivers at http://www.alsa.org/patient/default.cfm?CF...56&CFTOKEN=97907082 The only negative that I found was the lack of graphics. I would have liked to have been able to view some colorful schematics for the layman on just how it is that ALS attacks motor neurons.

Tammy Bott

Tammy, interesting topic with great websites that you describe very well. Your peers also do a good job of providing feedback and I have little to add.

I think you might chose the David Abell website as your lesser or minor website to review since the others are all pretty much major institutions.
Thanks for your detailed feedback to your peers,

LF

Choose topic: 10 points
Find four websites: 20 points
Peer reviews: 10 points

ALS Association website

This website has a great deal of information about ALS. It’s great that they have a specific place for patients, family and caregivers to help them understand and cope. However, the website lacks many graphics.

David Abell Personal Website

This is a personal website written by David Abell, a victim of ALS. The most interesting thing I found on the site was about an Eyegaze sytem that allows David to use eye movements to control a computer, allowing him to run the lights, appliances and much more in his home. There is not much scientific information or specific information about the disease or its symptoms.

NINDS website

This is a great website that contains information such as explaining the disease and funding & research. There is also a great link to other research literature. The site needs more information for people looking for answers about ALS and needs graphics.

MDA’s ALS Division website

This website allows people living with ALS to post information about life before and after the disease and how they are dealing with ALS. MDA allows 31 personal postings during the month of May each year. While it is a great personal accounting of ALS, MDA should have more information about the disease on their diseases page. The information they have written is very limited.

Posted by Tina Peterson

ALS Association website:
 I agree that this website had so much information. I learned a lot about this disease that I didn’t know about. I also agree that it was very overwhelming and it did need more graphics.

David Abell’s website:
 My favorite part about this website was that they had links to find extra info about this disease. This website was so sad and really touching. This was my favorite website that you posted.

NINDS Website:
 I liked this website because it had very organized descriptions that was easy to follow and understanding.

ALS Division of MDA website:
 I liked the first part of this website where it tells the before and during life having ALS. It gave a lot of general info.