Having a service dog can greatly enhance the life of someone living with a chronic disease. They allow patients to regain some of their independence by helping with small everyday tasks like opening and closing doors, fetching meds, acting as a prop or support as their owner stands, switching on lights and attracting attention…
Share Your Blessings is a non-profit organization that specializes in helping children and adults with special needs. As part of its Project Maestro initiative, it has given away more than 750 Beamz Interactive Music Systems with a retail value of $300,000 to people with disabilities, according to…
A “spoonie” is a term used by people with chronic illnesses. It stems from lupus blogger Christine Miserandino who explained her lack of energy using spoons. How do you know if you’re a spoonie? We’ve scoured the Internet for some examples of what it’s like to be…
In this video, Dr. Simon Freilich gives an overview of the main type of motor neuron disease: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). MORE: 16 fast facts about amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Dr. Freilich explains that ALS accounts for around 85 percent of motor neuron disease cases. The…
One of the most frustrating symptoms of living with a chronic illness is brain fog. There are medications to treat many symptoms of chronic diseases, but sadly there isn’t yet a pill that takes away brain fog. However, there are ways to deal with it so patients can minimize its effects and…
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive tool that uses a magnetic field along with radio waves to produce detailed images of the brain, spinal cord, or other body areas. Preliminary studies suggest that MRI may help identify signs of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) earlier, but larger…
French biotech company AB Science presented the results of the Phase 3 clinical trial for its lead compound masitinib, which showed effectiveness in improving the functioning of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. The randomized, double-blind clinical trial (NCT02588677) compared the efficacy and…
Service dogs are typically thought of as necessary companions for the visually impaired, but service and therapy dogs can be incredibly helpful for those with neuromuscular disorders. As well as being a trusted friend, service dogs can expand owners’ motor abilities, granting them new independence and allowing them to get more out of…
Nurtec (formerly BHV-0223) is a new formulation of riluzole that is placed under the tongue and dissolves in the mouth. The therapy is being developed by Biohaven Pharmaceuticals for treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). How Nurtec works Riluzole is a glutamate-modulating agent. Its exact mechanism of…
If you’re active on the Internet, particularly in groups and forums regarding chronic illness, you’ve definitely noticed the term “spoonie” being thrown around. MORE:Â Six tips to help you manage ALS. Spoonie is a term coined by a chronic illness blogger, who used spoons to demonstrate…
