People affected by depression before being diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have a higher risk of developing cognitive impairments at later stages of the disease, a study says. The findings of the study, “Depression and risk of cognitive dysfunctions in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,” were…

Stick around, because the weather will always change! That was a life lesson I learned while growing up in Iowa. Spring in Iowa often meant that one day we’d be wearing parkas, the next day T-shirts and shorts, and then back to wearing heavy parkas again. We knew…

Loss of normal ion flow in the skeletal muscle may worsen symptoms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a mouse study shows. Researchers have identified several targets that rescue iron flow, namely chloride, in skeletal muscle, highlighting their potential in developing new therapies. The study, “Elucidating the Contribution of Skeletal…

Professional soccer players may be at higher risk of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) compared to the general population. The preliminary findings will be presented at the 2019 American Academy of Neurology’s (AAN) 71st Annual Meeting, May 4-10 in Philadelphia. According to the study’s data, professional players are twice…

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients with higher levels of organic pollutants in their blood have reduced survival rates, according to a study conducted in Michigan. The study, “High plasma concentrations of organic pollutants negatively impact survival in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,” was published in the Journal…

“If we’re treading on thin ice, then we might as well dance.” That is a line from a song, “Do It,” on Jesse Winchester’s second album, “Third Down, 110 to Go.” The album’s title depicts an impossible situation. The referenced lyric prescribes a nonchalant, if not joyful,…

Loss of a protein known as ubiquilin causes defects in degradation centers called lysosomes, promoting the buildup of brain waste in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia, a fruit fly study has found. The study, “Ubiquilins regulate autophagic flux through mTOR signalling and lysosomal acidification,” was published in…

Smoking is associated with a greater risk of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), according to a new study. The research, “Smoking and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Mendelian Randomization Study,” appeared in the journal Annals of Neurology. Cigarette smoking has been proposed as a risk…

Small nerve injury may be the trigger for early manifestation or faster progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) motor symptoms in the presence of disease-associated genetic contributing factors, a study with rats suggests. The study, “Mutant SOD1 prevents normal functional recovery through enhanced glial activation and loss…

Greater knowledge about clinical trials and the importance of genetic testing, as well as increased access to expert care, are key needs for people with neuromuscular disease, including those with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), according to a large survey. The ONEVoice survey included 3,362 respondents, 2,430 of…