Daily use of levosimendan capsules appear to preserve respiratory strength in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) while in a supine, or lying flat, position, a sub-analysis of the Phase 2 LEVALS trial reports. Treatment did not show significant benefit against placebo when patients were sitting up, its primary…
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Sativex, a cannabis-based product, may help ease spasticity (stiff muscles) in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a German real-world study suggests. The study, “Real world experience of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in the treatment of spasticity using tetrahydrocannabinol:cannabidiol (THC:CBD),” was published recently in the…
In a study using dogs, the combination of infusing riluzole directly into the spinal cord and also taking it orally increased the concentration of the medication in the spinal cord significantly, compared to oral administration alone. The results of the study suggest that this combination therapy may increase its benefits…
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Facial Nerve Atrophy Seen on High-resolution MRI Helps Diagnose ALS in Early Stages, Study Reports
Assessing the degree of atrophy, or shinkage, in facial nerves with a high-resolution imaging tool appears to provide an accurate and early diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), according to new research. The study, “Facial nerve atrophy in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Evaluation with fast…
Inhibition of a protein called Cdk5 in the brain increases lifespan and improves motor function in mice with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a new study reports. This evidence supports a potential role for Cdk5 in the progression of ALS and opens new avenues as a potential therapeutic target for…
A new molecular mechanism that contributes to the death of some nerve cells has been discovered by a team of scientists led by researchers at Oregon State University. The researchers found that blocking a protein called HSP90 can result in the activation of a receptor present in motor…
Mutations in the FUS gene, one of the most common causes of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), increase the number of branches extending from the axons of motor nerve cells, so that no clear path exists for these neuronal “arms” to transmit information — in the form of electrical impulses —…
People with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have higher blood serum levels of neurofilament light chain (sNfL) than do healthy people, a new study found. Its work also further supported sNfL’s usefulness as a marker of likely disease progression and outcomes, with higher concentrations indicating poorer survival. The research, “…
Measuring lung function can help to predict overall disease progression in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a study suggests. “Classifying Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patients by Changes in Forced Vital Capacity: A Group-Based Trajectory Analysis” was published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care…
Rare diseases deeply affect not only the children who experience them, but also their healthy brothers and sisters, as their parents can attest. Two entries in November’s “Disorder: The Rare Disease Film Festival” will focus on what siblings go through, according to the San Francisco festival’s co-founder,…
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