ALS Patients Have No Distinct Swallowing Pattern, Which May Increase Choking Risk, Study Suggests

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients follow no distinct swallowing pattern, and this may account for the development of swallowing difficulties over time that can lead to life-threatening choking, a study reports. The research, “The Importance Of The Reproducibility Of Oropharyngeal Swallowing In Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: An Electrophysiological Study,” was…

In this video from American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Speech Language Pathologist Emily Plowman talks about whether exercise can help amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients strengthen the muscles needed to swallow. MORE: Exploring the early symptoms of ALS Plowman talks about her role in a clinical trial and how previous studies have found exercise…

While few of us choose to become caregivers, many of us are faced with the task if a loved one is diagnosed with a chronic disease. The transition is a strange time for everyone involved, as the nature of the relationship changes for both the caregiver and patient. However, it is…

A previously unknown mutation in the BICD2 gene caused juvenile amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in a Chinese woman in her 20s, according to a case study. The gene had previously been linked to other neurodegenerative conditions, prompting researchers to believe that the mutation can give rise to ALS when other…

Urine levels of a protein component known as p75ECD may be a valuable biomarker for diagnosing and monitoring the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), according to a study. The research, “Urinary p75ECD: A Prognostic, Disease Progression, And Pharmacodynamics Biomarker In ALS,” was published in the journal Neurology. The National…

Schizophrenia in relatives of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients is caused by shared genetic factors that increase the risk of both conditions, researchers confirmed. This prompted them to contend that scientists should view ALS as a disease of brain connections, rather than of individual brain cells. The way to treat…

It’s devastating when a friend or family member is diagnosed with a terminal illness. You want to reach out to help, but you’re often unsure how to handle the situation and what to say—fearful of saying the wrong thing. We’ve compiled a list of ways to help support your loved through…

Poor bone health that makes people vulnerable to fractures may be a risk factor for the development of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), according to a study. The research, “Association Of Fractures With The Incidence Of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis,” was published in the journal Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal…

An opinion piece titled “A serious and often overlooked issue for patients with brain diseases: Swallowing” by Dr. Donald Bolser, a professor at the University of Florida recently published in the independent news and views website The Conversation, highlights the importance of detecting and treating impaired swallowing in people with brain disease.

Most of us have probably been reminded to take our vitamins, or pushed to eat something because it’s “full of vitamins”—and it’s true, getting vitamins is incredibly important. Especially during the winter when some people experience Seasonal Affective Disorder, which can be impacted by low levels of vitamin D. But that’s not…