Some embodiments herein include methods of ameliorating, inhibiting, reducing, treating, slowing the progression of, or preventing a decline in respiratory function associated with a neurological disease of a patient, for example amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Some embodiments herein include methods of ameliorating, inhibiting, reducing the symptoms of, treating, slowing the progression of, or preventing a neurological disease of a patient, in which the neurological disease comprises a decline in respiratory function. Some embodiments include methods of deferring an ALS intervention in an ALS patient.