Dutch researchers have identified new genes and biological mechanisms possibly involved in frontotemporal dementia (FTD) with and without amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The study, “Susceptible genes and disease mechanisms identified in frontotemporal dementia and frontotemporal dementia with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis by DNA-methylation and GWAS,” appeared in the…

Levels of some microRNAs (MIRs) regulating re-innervation and muscle regeneration among amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients, while others are lower, an Italian study has found. These molecules help distinguish slow from rapid-progression ALS, and the findings suggest that therapeutic approaches targeting these MIRs may help delay disease progression. The study,…

Mutations in the C9ORF72 gene of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) might make it more difficult for them to use brain-computer interfaces, says a study published in the journal Scientific Reports. The study, “Expansion of C9ORF72 in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis correlates with brain-computer interface performance,” suggests not only…

Kip Fontana was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 2010 and was told by his doctors that he had between three and seven years to live — but Kip had different plans. Seven and a half years later, he has just competed in his first 5K race. MORE: Living with…

Inhibition of a key protein called dual leucine zipper kinase (DLK), a neuronal injury sensor, is protective in mice with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Alzheimer’s disease and shows potential for future therapeutic strategies, according to researchers. The study, “Loss of dual leucine zipper kinase signaling…

This segment from CBS Boston is sharing the good news that the FDA-approved drug Radicava for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is now available for patients in the U.S. MORE: Nine things to know about Radicava The breakthrough drug has been found to slow down the…

The ALS Association is celebrating the third anniversary of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge with a new awareness and fund-raising campaign to support the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) community. The new campaign, “Every Drop Adds Up,” with the help of Kwittken, a global communications agency, aims…

This video from WS Westwood explains the degenerative condition, Lou Gehrig’s disease. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease after the famous baseball player developed the condition and died from complications associated with ALS in 1941. MORE: A song inspired by ALS, “The…

William White, who entered Ohio State University on a football scholarship, played for the Buckeyes and earned an engineering degree before going on to an 11-year NFL career with the Detroit Lions, the Kansas City Chiefs, and the Atlanta Falcons. William White Now retired from the NFL and…

Researchers have found a way to break down aggregated RNA molecules that cause diseases such as certain inherited forms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). As the technique has the potential to treat several diseases which currently lack treatment options, the research team from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD)…