When amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) symptoms emerge during adolescence, mutations in the FUS gene are likely to blame, findings from a case report suggest. Mutations in this gene also are the cause of some adult-onset ALS cases. However, FUS-associated ALS is more aggressive in children in whom these…
When someone asks how I am in passing, I know the script: “I’m fine. How are you?” Sure, the question and response are meant to be pleasantries in our polite society, but since my husband has ALS, some days the question feels weighty. It stirs smoldering emotions, reigniting the…
Levels of plasma creatinine — a metabolic product of healthy muscle — are significantly associated with the functional status of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients, and can help predict their survival, results from a new study show. The findings suggest that plasma creatinine may be an important biomarker…
“Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.” –Mike Tyson The author Lee Child includes that quote in his Jack Reacher crime novel series as part of the title character’s mantra. Reacher always endeavors to strike the first blow. The…
A shift in the make-up of immune cells found in the blood of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) favors specific types of pro-inflammatory T-helper cells in detriment to anti-inflammatory regulatory T-cells, a study has found. This change in immune cells’ balance is associated with disease severity…
Recently, I noticed a surprising side effect from just a few weeks of following the stay-at-home guidelines: I’ve been talking less. A whole lot less. And to be honest, on some days, my conversations were limited to “yes” and “no” answers. That worried me. Because I’ve worked hard to prevent…
A $25,000 Ionis Pharmaceuticals scholarship will help amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients in the San Diego, California, area participate in a host of integrative physical and mental wellness programs through Adapt Functional Movement Center. The full range of personalized sessions will be provided online during the COVID-19 pandemic. Designed…
Seneca Biopharma announced that work is underway to advance NSI-566, its leading stem cell treatment candidate, into a Phase 3 study in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The decision followed a meeting with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and is supported by data collected from…
People with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have significantly lower levels of a small molecule called microRNA-335-5p (miR-335-5p), which promotes the degradation of mitochondria and nerve cell death, a study shows. These findings suggest that dysregulation of miR-335-5p may contribute to neurodegeneration in ALS patients, which may be useful…
The other morning, I woke up to find a note on my husband’s wheelchair cushion: “Buttercup, please cook the sausage. Love, Todd.” He was reminding me of the bratwurst I had pulled out of the freezer a couple days before. His arms haven’t worked in years because he has ALS,…
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