4 articles from the last 7 days matching "Frontotemporal dementia with motor neuron disease"
ResearchRSSToday
A new study from Finland found that deaths from ALS (a disease that affects nerve cells controlling muscles) have nearly doubled over the last 30 years. The increase is especially noticeable in older adults. Researchers aren't sure why this is happening, and similar increases haven't been reported in other countries.
WHY IT MATTERSIf ALS death rates are rising in Finland, understanding why could help identify preventable risk factors or early warning signs that might apply to ALS patients elsewhere.
ResearchBIORXIV2 days ago
Scientists are studying how two genes work together to cause frontotemporal dementia, a type of brain disease that affects thinking and behavior. One gene called GRN normally makes a protein that protects brain cells, but when it's broken, people can develop dementia. Another gene called TMEM106B can either increase or decrease the risk of getting sick. This research helps explain why some people with the broken GRN gene stay healthy their whole lives while others get dementia.
WHY IT MATTERSIf you or a family member carries a GRN mutation, understanding how TMEM106B variants modify your risk could eventually help doctors predict who will develop frontotemporal dementia and when, potentially enabling earlier monitoring or future preventive treatments.
NewsRSS4 days ago
This is a personal story about a man with ALS (a disease that affects nerve cells and causes muscle weakness) and how his dog Comet has become an important part of his life. As Todd's mobility has decreased over time, he's found creative ways to spend time with Comet, like riding on a scooter with the dog. The story shows how pets can bring joy and connection to people living with serious illnesses.
WHY IT MATTERSFor people with ALS and their caregivers, this story demonstrates how adaptive strategies and pet companionship can maintain quality of life and emotional well-being as the disease progresses.
ResearchRSS5 days ago
Scientists discovered that some people with ALS (a disease that affects nerve cells controlling muscles) may develop the condition from new mutations that happen by chance in their nerve cells, rather than inheriting the mutation from their parents. This is different from inherited ALS cases where a parent passes down a faulty gene. This finding suggests there are multiple ways ALS can develop, which could help doctors better understand and treat the disease.
WHY IT MATTERSIf your ALS diagnosis is sporadic (not inherited), this research suggests your condition may have developed from random mutations in your nerve cells rather than a genetic predisposition, which could change how doctors approach your treatment and genetic counseling.