Latest news with #Amyotrophiclateralsclerosis
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Cough Medicine May Protect Against Some of Parkinson's Worst Symptoms
An active ingredient in cough medicines since 1979 has shown promise as a treatment for neuropsychiatric symptoms in Parkinson's disease-related dementia. The drug, ambroxol, isn't approved for use in the US, Canada, or Australia, but it is commonly found in cough syrups and tablets from Europe. In a gold-standard phase 2 clinical trial, 22 participants with Parkinson's dementia who received a high daily dose of ambroxol for a year showed no worsening of key neuropsychiatric symptoms. Meanwhile, 25 patients who received the placebo displayed worsening symptoms, gaining an average of 3.73 points on an established neuropsychiatric score. Patients on ambroxol dropped an average of 2.45 points. Related: Both groups shared similar cognitive scores related to memory and language. But those taking ambroxol showed stabilization in symptoms like delusions, hallucinations, anxiety, irritability, apathy, and aberrant motor activity. Participants on ambroxol also experienced fewer falls. Though ambroxol was found to be safe, no clinically meaningful improvements in cognition were recorded. Yet there are reasons to remain optimistic. "Our goal was to change the course of Parkinson's dementia," says neurologist Stephen Pasternak from Western University in Canada. "This early trial offers hope and provides a strong foundation for larger studies." In the team's analysis, some participants carrying a high-risk GBA1 gene for Parkinson's showed improved cognitive performance on ambroxol. With a small sample size and no control group to compare outcomes to, the authors caution these results need to be followed up before drawing any conclusions. That said, high-risk GBA1 gene variants tend to result in lower activity of the enzyme Glucocerebrosidase (GCase), and this, in turn, is linked to more protein clumps in the brain, like Lewy bodies, which are associated with Parkinson's dementia. Recently, studies have found that ambroxol can significantly increase GCase activity. In the current trial, those taking the drug showed 1.5 times the amount of GCase activity. No serious adverse effects were reported by those taking ambroxol, although mild to moderate gastrointestinal issues were common and caused a few participants to drop out of the trial. The findings suggest that some of the more serious symptoms of Parkinson's disease may be managed by ambroxol if taken regularly at high doses. Because ambroxol can easily cross the blood-brain barrier, some scientists suspect the cough medicine can treat neurodegenerative conditions, like Parkinson's, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Gaucher disease, neuroinflammation, or spinal cord injury. Whether that hypothesis proves to be true requires more clinical research. But the recent phase 2 trial on Parkinson's dementia gives scientists good reason to keep digging. "These findings suggest ambroxol may protect brain function, especially in those genetically at risk," says Pasternak. "It offers a promising new treatment avenue where few currently exist. If a drug like Ambroxol can help, it could offer real hope and improve lives." The study was published in JAMA Neurology. Scientists Finally Uncovered Where Gluten Reactions Start One Major Feature of Aging Might Not Be Universal After All Brain's Memory Center Never Stops Making Neurons, Study Confirms
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Denham Springs man diagnosed with ALS helping to connect community
DENHAM SPRINGS, La. (Louisiana First) — Joe Redmond had a successful career as a radio and music executive in Louisiana and Tennessee for 40 years. Over time, he started having trouble with his voice and speaking. 'I was slurring and often asked to repeat things so I knew something was wrong,' he said. Redmond saw many doctors over five years. Finally, he was diagnosed with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig's disease. This is a deadly neurodegenerative disorder that impacts motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. 'Finally getting a diagnosis was kind of a relief,' he said. Redmond said he struggles with his speech and balance. Because of this diagnosis, he had to retire. The 62-year-old Denham Springs resident has become an ALS advocate. He talks to state and federal lawmakers about more funding for ALS research. He also volunteers with EverythingALS and its Pathfinder program. It's a free app to empower those living with ALS and offers essential resources for their caregivers 24/7. Families can find advice and emotional support. They can also chat with peers who understand their journey. 'It's nice to know there's someone else for you out there because this is a very isolating disease,' Redmond stated. The ultimate goal of the program is to eradicate ALS. Vice President JD Vance kicks off CPAC Denham Springs man diagnosed with ALS helping to connect community Krewe of Orion parade theme brings New Orleans to Baton Rouge McConnell won't seek reelection to Senate Creative control of James Bond franchise given to Amazon MGM Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
16-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Galesburg Fire Department gets second place in Illinois for fundraising campaign
GALESBURG, Ill. (WMBD) — The Galesburg Fire Department raised more than $31,100 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The department took second place in Illinois, trailing only Chicago, in the 2024 Fill the Boot Campaign, said Galesburg firefighter TJ Scott. The proceeds from the event go to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, a leading voluntary health organization in the U.S. helping to fight neuromuscular diseases such as muscular dystrophy and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis better known as ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease, he said. The money helps the association pay for research, care and advocacy for those who are affected with these diseases, he said. 'I am incredibly proud of the Fire Department for their selfless dedication to helping others, anddeeply thankful for the community's continued support,' said Galesburg Fire Chief Randy Hovind. The fire department participates in the Fill the Boot Campaign every year, and Scott says the plans for 2025 are already underway. Donations are accepted at any time and can be given on their website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
