Approximately 10% of those affilicted with ALS inherited this devastating disease. While the “family connection” is low, it does exist. Recently ALSA.org announced from their “In The News” section, a clinical trial underway. This clinical trial is aimed at “an inherited, aggressive form of Lou Gehrig’s disease also know as familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).”

Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., is in Phase 1 of their study. They are testing an “antisense drug designed to inhibit production of SOD1.” SOD1, or superoxide dismutase, may be the cause of approximately 20 percent of all familial ALS cases. To read the full writeup, please click here.

Also, we understand and fully appreciate these harsh economic times. However, your donation directly to ALS of Nevada will help us assist the victims and caregivers within our own state. All monies stay here in our state to help Nevada ALS victims.

ALS of Nevada is not affiliated with ALSA. We are a not-for-profit group covering a very large state. Donations of any amount are always appreciated!

[alsreliefmucus]

First, thanks for being so patient when it comes to updating a new post for the blog. We were extremely busy moving to the new Lou Ruvo Brain Center, as well as planning for all our upcoming 2010 fundraising events.

However, we would like to bring to your attention a website that is going to help many. Healthier Lungs is a must visit for all caregivers assisting victims of ALS!

Their section, NAC Shows Benefit in ALS Studies is supported with medical documentation and the reason for us posting it here.

In our sessions with caregivers and ALS victims, the above referenced web site was brought to our attention. Again, we feel you will find valuable information. Both links open in new windows, so you can just close them when you are done and leave us any comments, questions, or concerns.

Remember, if you live in Nevada, we’re just a phone call away! See the sidebar for details.

[grants/donations/als]

Our apologies for not posting as often as we would have liked this past year, but the move to the new Center (see post below this one), and keeping in touch with patients and caregivers, and the clinic and fund raising consume lots of our time.

BUT… and this should have been announced last month, we have wonderful news!

We received the news that ALS of Nevada will be receiving a $25,000 grant from Wal-Mart that we applied for in August. This grant is restricted to our clinics and the buying and repairs of equipment for our patients statewide.

So with the new move complete, wonderful donations coming in through individuals, families, small and large businesses, we’re ready to hit 2010 with everything we’ve got!

We’d prefer, actually, to go out of business! Finding a cure is the miracle we all pray for! This Season, please don’t forget about us here in Nevada. You’ll find our donation information off there to your right.

Happy Holidays to All!

[alsnewsandsupport]

We recently came across a website for staying on top of ALS news and recent advancements.

Topix has a health section devoted entirely to information about ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease). One of their readers has made a claim in their forum that most likely will astound you.

We here at ALS of Nevada have no idea of the validity of such a claim, and encourage you to draw your own conclusions. However, that said, head over to Diagnosed in August 07, Symptom free by January. The input was posted on May 3, 2008.

It also appears to have potential if you are looking for an online support group.

[MedicalNewsToday]

An incurable, paralyzing disease in humans is now genetically linked to a similar disease in dogs. Researchers from the University of Missouri and the Broad Institute have found that the genetic mutation responsible for degenerative myelopathy (DM) in dogs is the same mutation that causes amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the human disease also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. As a result of the discovery, click here for the rest of the article

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