Genetic ALS: Discussing a difficult diagnosis

Weak electrical signals may offer an early ALS diagnosis

Far-field potentials (FFPs), weak electrical signals triggered by nerve stimulation that can be recorded noninvasively on the skin, may serve as reliable clinical biomarkers to support early diagnosis and disease monitoring in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a study suggests. The strength of these signals, or FFP amplitude,…

How a landscaping project energized me as an ALS caregiver

Thirteen years ago, we built an accessible home to accommodate my husband Todd’s progressive disability due to ALS. A general contractor supervised much of the construction, but we took on some of the work, including the landscaping. Todd was shaky on his feet and his arms were weak; nonetheless…

Finding my voice again as I continue to adapt to ALS

“I still can’t understand you. Say it one more time.” My husband and I were having a simple conversation, and I was trying to emphasize my point of view, but my mouth and tongue simply wouldn’t coordinate. Instead of pausing to slow down, I just kept repeating the same garbled…

New collaboration will use AI tools to find ALS treatment targets

A new coalition aims to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to accelerate drug discovery for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neurodegenerative disorders. Answer ALS is teaming with partners including GATC Health — a drug discovery company focusing on machine learning and neural networks — Louisiana State…