Researchers identified three forms, or biotypes, of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), each with distinct mechanisms that could suggest pathways for biologically specific treatment. A machine learning model was able to classify people with ALS into these three groups using demographic and disease-related information. “The machine learning model we developed,…

My frustration brought me to tears today, and I had to take a step back and remember to care for myself in addition to caring for my husband, Todd, who has ALS. Todd’s new wheelchair was delivered today, and like the one he’s been in for the past 11…

Much of what people understand about ALS progression comes from the stories they see and hear most often — and those stories can be misleading. Social media amplifies the voices of people who have lived with the disease for years, sometimes decades. This makes perfect sense: Slower progression means…

Last week, I opened my inbox and an article from ALS News Today caught my eye. The story, “Maximizing lung function with ALS,” explained how patients can proactively manage their lung health while living with ALS. After reading it, I pumped my fist in the air, a…

Immune checkpoint proteins — proteins that help regulate immune response — were elevated on T-cells and in the blood of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a small study found, suggesting they may play a role in how the disease develops. The increases were associated with more severe…

The ALS Network is honoring actor Eric Dane as its Advocate of the Year, granting the former TV doctor the annual award in recognition of his efforts and commitment to raising awareness and support for people living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The award will be presented at…

Autumn has a very specific feeling where I live on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Right now, the daylight is getting shorter, the temperature is more brisk, and the lush greens of summer have given way to more muted hues as leaves get ready to change color and fall from…

Patient enrollment is complete in a Phase 2b/3 clinical trial evaluating MN-166 (ibudilast), an investigational oral therapy developed by Medicinova to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The COMBAT-ALS (NCT04057898) trial is testing whether MN-166 can safely slow ALS progression in 234 adults with ALS, ages 18 to…

I caught up with an old friend last weekend. We were in a moms’ group when our now college-age children were just babies. She was visiting our small town because her son goes to college here. It’s hard to believe that we met nearly two decades ago — and harder…