ALS Stories: Pam Kofstad

This video from ALSA Oregon is all about Pam Kofstad and her family. Pam’s health was on the decline for more than a year, starting with the inability to turn her left foot out and often tripping, which led to her being confined to a wheelchair. In April 2015, Pam was diagnosed with amyotrophic…

A new model for predicting ALS patients’ survival looks promising, University of Michigan researchers report. In fact, it want a competition for models that can forecast survival. A combination of patients’ ability to walk, breathe and eat, plus their scores on a physical functioning scale and a lung function measure…

The ALS Association was founded in 1985 and is dedicated to helping patients who suffer from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The non-profit organization operates with a global scope, coordinating their research with some of the world’s top scientists. Here are six more things this incredible organization does: Research…

Among the many challenges I experienced during my early months with ALS was its effect on my perception of time. Before ALS, I pretty much meandered through life in full confidence that many more years lie ahead of me. But with the onset of ALS, all that changed.

A traffic jam inside nerve cells is a feature of most forms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia, a study shows. It suggests that easing the jam is a potential strategy for treating ALS. Therapies to do this are moving into clinical trials, the researchers said. The study, “…

A protein called neuronal apoptosis inhibitor protein (NAIP) is a potential disease marker and predictor of outcomes in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), according to a new study. The protein’s levels in ALS patients and controls were measured in blood samples in the study. The…

A dissolving tablet version of riluzole called BHV-0223 has shown positive bioequivalence when compared to the oral form of the therapy, Rilutek, developer Biohaven Pharmaceuticals announced. The dissolving tablet, placed under the tongue, is easier to administrate to patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) who have trouble swallowing. BHV-0223 also was found…

This video from Tyler Morning Telegraph is all about Christi Wyatt Zimmerman. MORE: Soccer coach mom talks about her life with ALS Zimmerman, who’s from Texas, was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 2014 at just 36 years old. However, despite the devastating news, she’s remained…

This week, Stephen Hawking turned 76. While 76 doesn’t seem all that impressive with many living past 100 in this day and age — for Hawking, it’s simply remarkable. Stephen Hawking was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) when he wast just 21 years old. At the time of his…

NeuroSGC, a new scientific partnership formed by the Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC) and the Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital (The Neuro) aims to discover new treatments for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Parkinson’s disease — both of which currently lack effective therapies. Drug discovery for these and other neurological…