Dr. Albert's end of life research program involves people with ALS - an important psychosocial model for dying because it is one of the few conditions where scientists can predict timing of death accurately. Progression of ALS is inexorable and undeniable, disability severe, cognition spared (for the most part), and end of life choices stark (e.g., feeding tube and mechanical ventilation).

Dr. Albert and his colleagues at Columbia's Mailman School of Public Health and College of Physicians & Surgeons have tracked a cohort of 80 patients as they approach death with monthly interviews. To date, 56 have died and 11 have chosen mechanical ventilation. Dr. Albert has reported on depression and the wish to die at the end of life, as well as patient-family concordance in this area.