Researchers Discover Underlying Cause of Lou Gehrig's Disease

Scientists have long struggled to identify the underlying disease process of ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig's disease) and weren't even sure that a common disease process was associated with all forms of ALS.

In this new study, Northwestern University researchers said they found that the basis of ALS is a malfunctioning protein recycling system in the neurons of the brain and spinal cord. Efficient recycling of the protein building blocks in the neurons are critical for optimal functioning of the neurons. They become severely damaged when they can't repair or maintain themselves.

This problem occurs in all three types of ALS: hereditary, sporadic and ALS that targets the brain, the researchers said.

The discovery, published Aug. 21 in the journal Nature, shows that all forms of ALS share an underlying cause and offers a common target for drug therapy, according to the researchers.

"This opens up a whole new field for finding an effective treatment for ALS," study senior author Dr. Teepu Siddique, of the Davee Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurosciences at Northwestern's Feinberg School of Medicine, said in a university news release. "We can now test for drugs that would regulate this protein pathway or optimize it, so it functions as it should in a normal state."

Beautiful Sunday

Click here :http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPsy5z0QjUo&feature=related

I'm alive!

I've been in a bit of a slump(literally) lately as I have a hard time keeping my body and head upright. I use a support around my neck and tilt my chair back. As you can see by the picture, I'm still beautiful. LOL. However I don't type as much, hence the lack of blog posts. I still love you all and will try to keep in touch as best I can.

It's about time we respect a suffering individual's right to die.

ALS sufferer Gloria Taylor (seated) wants to choose when she will die and have a doctor assist her.

Photograph by: Wayne Leidenfrost - PNG, The Province

A repost but I admire her courage and tenacity--I hope she wins.

Read more:http://www.theprovince.com/news/Grandma+wants+with+dignity/5021752/story.html#ixzz1TzQ94W5W

A walk along False Creek

Anne and I went on a photo excursion and these are a few of our favourites. It will probably be my last summer using my camera.
I am a realist and am aware of my ALS progression rate. However, I will show my Carer or friend what I want them to photograph. I will be the eye and they, the shooter.