Sonic Hedgehog Protein Pathway May Be Compromised in ALS, Researchers Find

A signaling pathway involving a protein called sonic hedgehog (Shh) is compromised in amyloid lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients, found a study published in PLOS One.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can detect changes occurring in the brain during the course of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in the short-term, according to a study published in the Neuroimage: Clinical.

https://vimeo.com/168979927 This short video from the ALS Association Texas Chapter shares the early symptoms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) using simple computer-generated animation. Discover seven facts about ALS you might find interesting.  ALS is difficult to diagnose in the early stages as the symptoms presented can often mimic other diseases and conditions.

People with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are frequently in pain, yet few studies focus on this aspect of the disease, according to an analysis by researchers at Italy’s University of Turin. Their study, “Pain in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,” recently appeared in the journal The Lancet Neurology. A comprehensive overview of published data,…

Patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in advanced stages who suddenly experience worsening shortness of breath and chest discomfort are likely to have Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, a condition also known as broken heart syndrome. Based on their findings, South Korean researchers studying the hearts of ALS patients  urge physicians to consider Takotsubo…

Learning that a loved one has a chronic illness is devastating, and even more so if that illness is likely to cut their life short. Everyone deals with the death of loved ones different, the grieving process is varied and there is no wrong or right way to go about…

Physical therapy is important for ALS patients. It helps manage pain, strengthen muscles, ease joint stiffness and improve circulation, which all help to keep patients as mobile as possible. Read about the six therapies needed for ALS patients.  In this video from Living, not Dying, Chiara demonstrates…

The ALS Association is urging Congress to pass legislation that would waive the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) five-month waiting period for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Under the ALS Disability Insurance Access Act of 2017, people with ALS could immediately begin receiving SSDI, which in turn qualifies patients to get…

The journal Neural Regeneration Research has published a review detailing the latest findings in the use of cannabis-derived compounds to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The review, “Can cannabinoids be a potential therapeutic tool in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis?,” notes that to date, the only available therapy for ALS patients is riluzole, which…

An eight-week mindfulness-based meditation program improved the quality of life and psychological well-being of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a study reported. The randomized, open-label, controlled clinical trial covered 100 patients recruited between November 2012 and December 2014. All were diagnosed with ALS at least 18 months before the…