Researchers at Israel’s Ben-Gurion University (BGU) have developed an artificial intelligence (AI) platform that can help monitor and predict the course of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The tool was designed by Boaz Lerne, PhD, associate professor at BGU, and his colleagues, in order to help identify biomarkers associated with neurodegenerative…
People with mutations in the gene coding for tumor protein p73 (TP73) are at higher risk of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), researchers report. Their study, “Loss of TP73 function contributes to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis pathogenesis,” was published online in bioRxiv. There’s no doubt that some genes…
A gene therapy candidate targeting a key amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) mutation in the C9orf72 gene is able to lower the accumulation of toxic RNA clumps and reduce the activity of this mutated gene, in cells collected from a patient with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and in a…
High LDL cholesterol levels, also known as “bad cholesterol,” may contribute to the development of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), researchers report. Their study, “Shared polygenic risk and causal inferences in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis” was published in Annals of Neurology. Several lifestyle and other factors are thought to…
The ALS Association’s new #VoiceYourLove awareness campaign is getting a boost from celebrities and the TRON Foundation, a leading blockchain protocol. The initiative seeks to honor ALS patients who have lost the ability to speak, with the ultimate goal of discovering new therapies and a cure for…
Using a recumbent stepper is a safe and well-tolerated way for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to do physical exercise, a pilot study suggests. The study, “Recumbent stepping aerobic exercise in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a pilot study,” was published…
GPM Investments raised $244,263 for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neuromuscular disorders in its eighth holiday pinup fundraiser in 2018 in partnership the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Approximately 1,400 GPM convenience stores throughout the East Coast and Midwest regions of the U.S. participated in the campaign, including…
A potential therapy for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) consisting of an antibody that reduces the abnormal accumulation of the TDP-43 protein improved cognitive and motor performance in mice, a study shows. The study, “Viral-mediated delivery of antibody targeting TAR DNA–binding protein 43 mitigates associated neuropathology,” was published in The…
A new diagnostic score accounting for age at disease onset and motor neuron dysfunction in the brain is able to distinguish amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) from other neuromuscular disorders early in disease process, a study reports. The study, “Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis diagnostic index: Toward a personalized diagnosis of ALS,”…
“I get by with a little help from my friends.” Or, in my case, A LOT. Two weeks ago, I discussed the ALS village. Last week, I wrote that I’ve survived 12 years since ALS darkened my doorstep. The latter is not possible without the former.
