ALS, Before and After

Author T. H. White‘s collection of novels titled “The Once and Future King” depicts the legend of King Arthur. While the title suggests a symmetrical before and after, in reality, it is rare that such a balance is observed.

A cancer treatment called tamoxifen, which previously showed promise in preclinical studies for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), provides only modest and short-lasting benefits to patients with the disease, a small Phase 1/2 clinical trial has found. According to the study’s researchers, larger studies and longer…

This week, I’m celebrating my third anniversary of writing columns for ALS News Today. This special column expresses my gratitude for having the unique opportunity to share my thoughts and wellness knowledge with the ALS community. It is a thank-you to loyal readers for their support, comments, and friendship.

Treatment of people whose symptoms are suggestive of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) but likely linked to a retrovirus called human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) should focus on alleviating symptoms and lowering the viral load, a case report highlights. The report, “Human T-cell Lymphotropic Virus…

The teeth of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) show their bodies metabolize metals — from chromium to zinc — in abnormal ways starting in infancy, and these changes predispose them to ALS disease as adults. The study, which looked at how metal uptake early in life can affect…

The pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial testing BrainStorm Cell Therapeutic’s cell-based therapy NurOwn in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients continues with only occasional scheduling changes to treatment due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Patient dosing is expected to be complete by July, the company announced. “BrainStorm made…

I cried buckets in the months after my husband, Todd, was diagnosed with ALS. When I met with a counselor, I described my overwhelming sadness. “It is sad,” he agreed. “When you read stories, they have happy parts and sad parts. This is a sad part of your story.”…

Statins, often prescribed to lower cholesterol levels, are not associated with poorer overall survival in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and should not be discontinued on that basis, a German study has found. The study, “Statins, diabetes mellitus, and prognosis of Amyotrophic…

The hubbub percolating around the SpaceX launch last weekend reminded me of the role a committed and engaged support team plays in averting and staving off peril.  In any successful outcome to a human hostage confrontation, two common strategies unfold. First,…

Two bills making their way through Congress are intended to improve access to medical therapies for those most in need, and in particular, those with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Sen. Mike Braun, R-Ind., announced his plan to introduce a bill to hasten the regulatory process for making promising therapies…