Pain in ALS Patients is Common but Not Studied Enough, Review Finds

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…

It can sometimes be a challenge to look on the bright side when you have a chronic illness, but spending time doing things that make you happy will help keep depression at bay, help you come to terms with your illness better and begin enjoying life again. To help you feel happier,…

Researchers at Flinders University in Australia identified a new potential biomarkers in the urine of patients with amyloid lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Researchers in the U.S. showed that thanks to a computer-brain interface device that they developed people with different forms of paralysis, including amyloid lateral sclerosis (ALS), can type using direct brain controls faster than was previously possible.