EverythingALS, a technology- and data-focused nonprofit, has launched an app to support people living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), their families and caregivers, researchers, and health-care professionals. In a late August news release, Seattle-based EverythingALS said the new app, compatible with iOS and Android devices, “represents a significant upgrade from the previous version, which was…
EverythingALS Launches App for ALS Community
Briefly: Workshop to Investigate GLP-1R and Nervous System Disorders; ALS Survey Investigates AI Impact on AAC
Featuring the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; and Boston Children’s Hospital.
NASEM Public Workshop to Discuss Applications of GLP-1R Agonists The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) is hosting a Sept. 10 day-long workshop to discuss the impact of glucagon-like peptide-r receptor (GLP-1R) agonists on central nervous system disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s. The workshop will bring together experts from a number…
Study: Speech Neuroprosthesis Demonstrates Quick Setup, Accuracy in ALS Patient
Brain-computer interfaces can be easier to operate than eye-gaze and other systems for people living with paralysis.
A brain-computer speech interface implanted in a patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) was brought up to speed quickly and demonstrated impressive accuracy, according to a new study in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM). The study — “An Accurate and Rapidly Calibrating Speech Neuroprosthesis” — was published by the NEJM on Aug. 14.…
Synchron Announces Successful Brain-Computer Interface with Apple Vision Pro
An ALS patient named Mark has used his thoughts to operate the spatial computing system.
Synchron has announced that a patient using its brain-computer interface has successfully used his thoughts to control the cursor of the Apple Vision Pro, a spatial computing system. In a July 30 press release, Brooklyn-based Synchron said Mark, a 64-year-old with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), “successfully used his direct thoughts to control the cursor on…
Study: Physically Active Men, But Not Women, at Lower ALS Risk
Other studies have shown increased ALS risk for professional athletes.
A new study from Norway found reduced amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) risk for physically active men, but not for similarly active women. The research — Physical Activity, Fitness, and Long-Term Risk of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Prospective Cohort Study — will be published in the July 23 issue of Neurology. The study’s abstract noted that…
The National Academies Report: Make ALS Livable in the Next Decade
Livability includes greater quality of life for people with ALS, as well as greater longevity.
A new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine discusses how the health-care field and its professionals could most effectively support people living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The consensus study report was introduced during a June 18 webinar. “At any one time, at least 30,000 people in the U.S. are living…
New ALS Guide Seeks to Boost Research Participation
Clinical professionals can use the guide to educate ALS patients about research opportunities.
A new guide from the Les Turner ALS Foundation seeks to expand the number of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) who participate in clinical research, as well as the diversity of ALS clinical trial groups. In a May 16 announcement, the foundation said the step-by-step guide was created “to inform people on why clinical…
Briefly: NYC Taxi Fleet Still Not Adequately Accessible; ALS Researcher Wins Award
Featuring United Spinal, the American Academy of Neurology, the American Brain Foundation, and the ALS Association.
Federal Judge: NYC Taxis Still Not Meeting Accessibility Agreement United States District Court Judge George Daniels has criticized New York City for failing, again, to meet its obligation to ensure that half of its taxicabs are wheelchair accessible. The City, a nonprofit newsroom that covers New York, reported on May 7 that Manhattan federal judge…
Briefly: Permobil Launches Power Standing Functional Guide; ALS Ice Bucket Challenge Turns 10
Featuring Permobil and the ALS Association.
Permobil Launches Functional Guide on Power Standing Permobil has introduced a functional guide that combines the clinical benefits of power wheelchair standing with real-life feedback from power standing clients. The new Functional Guide to Power Standing Evidence, the manufacturer said in a May 8 bulletin, “offers a quick glance on the impact of standing on…
Briefly: Health Canada Could Reconsider Masitinib; RESNA Goes Gaming
Featuring Health Canada, AB Science, and the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America.
Health Canada Could Reconsider Add-On ALS Treatment Health Canada will allow AB Science to ask for reconsideration for masitinib, a treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In an April 3 announcement, AB Science said the reconsideration process “will re-examine, with new assessors, the decision based on information that was included in the original submission.” Health…