Dutch Study Reveals New Genes and Disease Mechanisms Associated with ALS

Dutch researchers have identified new genes and biological mechanisms possibly involved in frontotemporal dementia (FTD) with and without amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The study, “Susceptible genes and disease mechanisms identified in frontotemporal dementia and frontotemporal dementia with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis by DNA-methylation and GWAS,” appeared in the…

Medical marijuana is gaining popularity as a complementary medicine to help with many symptoms associated with chronic illnesses. While many people are curious about how marijuana (or cannabis) may help improve their symptoms, they are also reluctant to smoke the substance. However, there are ways that medical marijuana can be administered, including…

Levels of some microRNAs (MIRs) regulating re-innervation and muscle regeneration among amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients, while others are lower, an Italian study has found. These molecules help distinguish slow from rapid-progression ALS, and the findings suggest that therapeutic approaches targeting these MIRs may help delay disease progression. The study,…

Speak clearly Use a fork and knife when you eat Hand-write your thank you notes The above (plus a few more) were on my mother’s list of good manners that she expected me to follow when I was a kid. They certainly helped me through the years and proved…

Researchers at University of Exeter Medical School in the United Kingdom have started an ambitious project to investigate how mitochondria flaws may cause the neuron cell death associated with ALS. Not only may their insights provide a better understanding of how amyotrophic lateral sclerosis arises, but it also may…

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) or speech-language therapists (SLTs) do much more than help people with speech problems such as stuttering or mispronouncing words. For children and adults with neuromuscular disorders like spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), muscular dystrophy (MD) and amyotrophic lateral…

Wave Life Sciences is developing two ALS and frontotemporal dementia therapies that target a gene mutation common in both. The therapies target mutations of the C9orf72 gene, Wave said in a business update. “I am excited to announce our next development program targeting C9orf72 mutations in ALS and FTD,” Dr.

Levels of pro-inflammatory molecules are increased in the blood of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a new study shows. This suggests that such molecules could be used as diagnostic biomarkers for ALS patients. The study, “Increased peripheral blood inflammatory…

Mutations in the C9ORF72 gene of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) might make it more difficult for them to use brain-computer interfaces, says a study published in the journal Scientific Reports. The study, “Expansion of C9ORF72 in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis correlates with brain-computer interface performance,” suggests not only…

Kip Fontana was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 2010 and was told by his doctors that he had between three and seven years to live — but Kip had different plans. Seven and a half years later, he has just competed in his first 5K race. MORE: Living with…