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…
The 6th annual Roll on Capitol Hill, organized by the United Spinal Association, will advocate for greater access to properly configured and medically-necessary wheelchairs for people with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D). The event will take place from June 11-14 in Washington, D.C. Andrea Dalzell, Ms. Wheelchair New…
Motor neuron disease (MND) is a condition where nerve cells (motor neurons) in the brain and spinal cord stop working, damaging the nervous system and leading to muscle wastage. It’s also referred to as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). MORE: 16 fast facts about amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. According to the…
Pfizer and AbbVie are pumping $10 million into Aquinnah Pharmaceuticals‘ effort to develop a revolutionary approach to treating neurodegenerative diseases — one that could arrest, or even reverse, the progression of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer’s and other conditions. Takeda Pharmaceuticals invested $5 million in Aquinnah’s program in December 2015.
More amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients survived among those who completed a Phase 2 trial of MediciNova’s Ibudilast (MN-166), compared to those who dropped out of the study, according to an exploratory interim analysis. But the data, presented at the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) 2017 Annual Meeting…
This video from Big Think deals with some of the common myths surrounding depression. MORE: Could exercise help ALS patients with swallowing? Dr. Patricia Deldin from the University of Michigan Depression Center explains exactly what depression is and what it isn’t. Deldin shares that depression is an invisible illness that…
Following her husband’s frustration at not being able to do up the buttons on his formal work shirts, Maura Horton came up with a simple and practical solution: magnetic buttons. MORE: Discover seven facts about amyotrophic lateral sclerosis you might find interesting. According to a report on Fox News, Horton’s husband…
Many people who suffer from chronic illnesses also suffer from depression. Depression isn’t something that should be overlooked; it should be brought to your doctor’s attention so that it can be treated. But how do you spot depression?  With help from prevention.com, we’ve put together a list of some of the most common physical signs that someone is…
While few of us choose to become caregivers, many of us are faced with the task if a loved one is diagnosed with a chronic disease. The transition is a strange time for everyone involved, as the nature of the relationship changes for both the caregiver and patient. However, it is…
