Common Gene Mutations May Link ALS and Schizophrenia, Study Reports

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and schizophrenia may be caused by similar gene mutations that affect the way neurons work, according to new research. Researchers found that 14.3 percent of the genetic variations linked to ALS were also present in people with schizophrenia, suggesting the diseases may be related. The study,…

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that attacks motor neurons, leading to wastage of the muscles. This affects every area of the body and as the disease progresses, patients begin to experience speech impairments and will eventually lose the ability to speak. MORE: Explaining the progression of ALS.

A compound that stabilizes a protein crucial for the survival of motor neurons helped cells of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients survive longer in experiments performed in lab dishes. The discovery builds on research about a childhood neuromuscular disease — spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) — and may lead to new treatments…

Insights into the behavior of TDP-43 — a key protein in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) development — may offer clues in preventing protein aggregation, potentially leading to new treatments for the disease. And the new level of understanding of how the protein is controlled and what it does in the cell…

In this video from Swallowing and Neurological Rehabilitation, LLC, speech and language pathologist (SLP), Tiffany Turner, explains some of the ways that she can help amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients. MORE: Explaining the progression of ALS Turner explains that rather than exercise, which could…

An amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) diagnosis can be devastating for both the patient and their family. If a loved one has recently been diagnosed with ALS, they’ll need your support now more than ever. Remember to be understanding and patient. We’ve put together a list of things to consider if a someone close to…

In recognition of May as ALS Awareness Month, the nonprofit Project ALS is inviting those interested in joining the Don’t Talk-a-Thon, which runs through May 21 to raise awareness for the disease and funds for research. The annual fundraising event will culminate with a one-hour vow of silence on May 21…

Mutations in the FUS gene, which are the major cause of juvenile forms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), are linked to the loss of motor neurons. European researchers have now found that these mutations also affect other cell types in the brain. The French-German study, “Motor neuron intrinsic and extrinsic…

The nonprofit HealthWell Foundation has just launched a pioneering fund to assist patients living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The fund will provide up to $15,000 in co-payment or premium assistance to eligible Medicare patients who have annual household incomes up to 500 percent of the federal poverty…

This video from Big Think deals with some of the common myths surrounding depression. MORE: Could exercise help ALS patients with swallowing? Dr. Patricia Deldin from the University of Michigan Depression Center explains exactly what depression is and what it isn’t. Deldin shares that depression is an invisible illness that…