Using Probiotics to Restore Gut Bacteria Balance May Help with ALS, Researchers Say

Natural substances that restore intestinal-bacteria balance may help in the treatment of   amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), according to a study funded by the international Ice Bucket Challenge. Noting that changes in intestinal bacteria contribute to ALS, researchers said using probiotics could restore the balance. The research, “Target Intestinal Microbiota…

Everyone suffers from stress from time to time but when you have a chronic disease, stress not only adds to your everyday burden but can often exacerbate the symptoms of your condition. While we can’t avoid stress altogether, there are ways that we help ourselves relax more and not let things…

In this TEDx Talks video, Steven Boeynaems explains that although we have known about amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) for 140 years, scientists still know very little about the condition that affects around 200,000 people worldwide. Discover seven interesting facts about ALS here. Boeynaems talks about the role of TDP-43 proteins…

This moving film from Brattleboro Reformer features Andy and his wife Kathleen. Andy has amyotrophy lateral sclerosis (ALS) and talks candidly about some of the simple things he misses in life. Read about five common misconceptions about ALS. Andy explains that ALS progresses differently in each patient,…

A Phase 2 clinical trial, exploring ozanezumab as a treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, failed to show any benefits. The data at hand means the search for treatments that may outperform the only approved ALS medication, riluzole, continues. The study, “Safety and efficacy of ozanezumab in patients with…

ALS patients with complete paralysis can communicate in a limited manner using a computer interface that detects their thoughts based on blood oxygen levels in the brain, according to a new study. Researchers said the method helped these patients say they were happy despite their extreme condition. The study, “Brain-Computer…

This 2014 Roundabout U video is all about Todd Walker from Murray, Kentucky. Todd shares his ALS story, which began when he was suddenly unable to exercise like he usually did. At first, doctors thought Todd was suffering from depression as he had just lost his father but as his…

Being diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) can be devastating for patients and their families and friends, but there are ways to move forward. We’ve put together a list of coping strategies to help you get through the first few weeks with help from the Mayo Clinic and ALSWindsor.ca. Allow Time and Space…

BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics has validated the cryopreservation process for its NurOwn stem cells to be used in an upcoming Phase 3 clinical trial in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In the validation study researchers compared NurOwn (MSC-NTF cells) derived from fresh mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) to those derived from…

Feeding mouse models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) the bacterial product butyrate improved their gut health, delayed the onset of movement symptoms, and increased the animals’ life span, according to a study. The study reporting the findings, “Target Intestinal Microbiota to Alleviate Disease Progression in Amyotrophic Lateral…