Determining genetic profiles from patients’ blood samples can provide a broad view of the biological processes involved in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, this information may not add valuable diagnostic information because it can’t accurately discriminate ALS cases from conditions that mimic the disease, according to researchers. Their study,…

The noninvasive detection of changes in the blood specific to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) may improve the diagnosis of the disease, according to researchers. Their study, “Initial Identification of a Blood-Based Chromosome Conformation Signature for Aiding in the Diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis,” appeared in the journal…

A recent study highlights a previously unknown function of the TDP-43 protein in nerve cells that may contribute to the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The finding adds a new layer of knowledge that could help to better understand the mechanisms involved in ALS development and progression. TDP-43 protein…

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) has awarded Aquinnah Pharmaceuticals $3.4 million to continue to develop and advance potential therapies to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This NINDS grant is the second given to Aquinnah to help support its novel approach for the treatment of…

Online health forums offers patients with chronic diseases a way to share experiences and develop connections with others in a similar situation — gaining access to a community that can provide both empathy and support, a study shows. How empathy might develop in online exchanges was the focus of  the…

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) awarded $3.7 million to AcuraStem to support the development of a small molecule drug to treat C9orf72 gene-related amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) fast-track grant (R44NS105156) will promote the development…

Patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) show alterations in the activity of their masticatory (jaw) muscles, impairing their ability to chew, according to the results of a small study. The study, “Alterations in the stomatognathic system due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,” was published in the Journal of Applied…

A university-led clinical trial will assess the therapeutic effect of Celestone (betamethasone) injections in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients with mutations in the FUS gene — a particular genetic type of ALS that seems to be clustered in  a nearby region. Inherited ALS is rare and only affects up…

Researchers have developed a personalized, non-invasive model that uses a set of characteristics, easily obtained at diagnosis, to predict survival in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The study with that finding, “Prognosis for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: development and validation of a personalised prediction model,” was published…

Patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are at increased risk for having pressure sores (PrS), according to a recent study. This risk is especially high for women and young patients, the findings showed. The study “Risk of developing PrS in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients – a nationwide cohort…