Military veterans with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are nearly four times as likely to commit suicide as vets without the progressive neurological disease, according to a recent study. This finding suggests that the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) should increase their suicide prevention efforts among veterans with ALS. The study, “…
Higher Suicide Risk Found for US Veterans With ALS
Moderate physical activity may slow muscle deterioration associated with the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), improving patients’ ability to perform daily life activities, a review study has found. This type of therapeutic exercise also slowed lung function decline, but did not prolong survival, suggesting this form of physical…
It’s been an intense couple weeks of winter weather on Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula. After a mild January with many sunny days, the first two weeks of February made up for it with over 40 inches of snowfall, along with below-zero to single-digit temperatures. I had been getting out…
People with rare disorders have a worse healthcare experience than those affected by chronic diseases, according to the results of an international survey conducted by Eurordis-Rare Diseases Europe. Indeed, rare disease patients overall give their healthcare experience a medium-low rating, of 2.5 on a scale of 1 to 5,…
The McQuade Center for Strategic Research and Development (MSRD) and Eikonizo Therapeutics have entered a collaboration to advance potential therapies for rare diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). “We are dedicated to seeking out and supporting novel treatments for complex and rare diseases,” Robert McQuade, PhD, president of MSRD…
“Ride a painted pony, Let the spinnin’ wheel spin.” Recently, I had a flashback to those lyrics by David Clayton-Thomas and recorded by the band Blood, Sweat & Tears. They speak to me on many levels. The…
To commemorate Feeding Tube Awareness Week, the ALS Association recently highlighted the benefits of feeding tubes in the lives of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The association recalled a previous interview with two feeding tube experts at the ALS Center of Excellence at Hennepin Healthcare, in Minneapolis, Minnesota,…
Ten years ago, if you had asked me how I was feeling when I woke up in the morning, I would’ve ignored you and disappeared beneath the blankets. That was during my first year with ALS, a time when I felt the weight of worry and having a life…
Maltese people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) do not exhibit mutations in the genes commonly associated with the condition, a study found. Instead, their disease-causing mutations are found in genes rarely associated with the condition in Europeans. The study, “…
With a new version of a low-cost eye-tracking system called EyeWriter, artists and others who are paralyzed due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) can more accurately draw and create images using only their eyes. The latest EyeWriter 2.0 software improves the system’s accuracy and now also allows the…
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