Qalsody halts disease progression in SOD1-ALS patients: Study

Qalsody (tofersen) halted disease progression and improved functional independence and mobility in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) who received the treatment in a real-world setting, according to a study involving seven patients carrying mutations in the SOD1 gene. Data also showed robust and sustained declines in markers of…

A diet containing foods that quickly raise blood sugar is associated with slower amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) progression in people taking the standard treatment riluzole, according to data from a recent study. Scientists had previously found that a high glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) — two measures…

With shorter days and overcast skies lasting for weeks due to lake-effect snow, darkness comes quickly after sunset here on Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula. Because our nights are long, many of our cross-country ski trails are lit so that people can use them after work. I try to ski at…

Constipation, a symptom experienced by about half of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients, is associated with a significantly faster disease progression and poorer survival, according to a new study. Constipation was also linked to worse anxiety, depression, and sleep problems, data showed. “Objective assessment of these symptoms is critical…

Do you have an ALS “inspiration folder?” I do. And I just added another name to my ever-growing list. Even though most people in my folder don’t have ALS, what inspires me is that despite their dire circumstances, they dare to have goals and find ways to…

Living next to arable cropland significantly raises the risk of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), according to a new study in northwestern Italy. A significantly younger age at disease onset also was seen among those living near such farmland, which may include fields of cereals (wheat and barley), beans,…

Note:  This story was updated July 24, 2025, to correct the name of Nova Southeastern University.  A Chicago businessman and philanthropist — David Husman, founder and chairman of Heartland Real Estate Partners — has donated $20 million to advance research into amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and patient care at…

Alchemab Therapeutics has partnered with Eli Lilly to develop new antibody treatments for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) based on an approach that looks at the immune response of those with slower disease progression. Alchemab will identify, develop, and market up to five new antibody-based candidates. The company…

Team Gleason has expanded its collaboration with Synchron to raise awareness about the company’s BCI Community, an initiative that’s designed to help people with disabilities and their loved ones know more about brain-computer interface (BCI) solutions and gather insights to advance their development. BCIs can detect activity in…

As we head into the new year, I’ve been in decluttering mode. I sorted through my linen closet and discarded worn sheets and pillowcases. I sorted through files and found old tax returns, bank statements, and receipts, and I burned sensitive papers in my mom’s sauna stove. And then I…