SMN protein deficiency in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) may lead to gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction by shrinking the smooth muscle in the bladder and altering specific cells in the colon, according to a mouse study. The study, “Smooth muscle atrophy and colon pathology in SMN deficient mice,”…
A video game called ACTIVE could be used to monitor changes in motor function in people with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) types 2 and 3, according to a new study. The video game’s measurements aligned with standard tests used to monitor people with SMA, but require less expertise to administer than these…
More frequent participation in social and leisure activities is associated with less caregiver burden and emotional distress for mothers of patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), according to a Dutch study. The research, “Participation and mental well-being of mothers of home-living patients with spinal muscular atrophy,”…
Use of speech-generating devices (SGDs) improves the quality of life of children with spinal muscle atrophy (SMA) type 1 through better communication skills, greater independence, and personal relationships, according to the results of a survey of parents. The study, “Communication skills among children with spinal muscular atrophy…
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) patients transitioning from pediatric to adult care face unmet health needs and possible barriers to health services, according to a study aimed at providing insight into how adults with SMA experience the healthcare system, with a particular emphasis on their transition from pediatric to adult…
Through extensive experiments in cell and animal models of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), investigators have demonstrated the possible usefulness of two protease inhibitors — compounds that stop certain enzymes from degrading proteins — to treat SMA, a study reports. Researchers reported that these two protease inhibitors can increase the levels…
Adults and children with neuromuscular disorders — including those with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) — are living longer, according to a 12-year population-based study in Ontario, Canada. The recent drop in mortality is likely due to the latest advances in the management of respiratory complications, newer technologies for lung hygiene and night…
For more than four decades, comedian Jerry Lewis hosted the MDA Labor Day Telethon on behalf of the Muscular Dystrophy Association. That annual event helped the MDA become the nation’s largest non-government source of funding for neuromuscular disease research, with more than $1.4 billion disbursed since its establishment 68…
Early intervention is crucial for the successful management of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), according to the authors of a review study that discusses the progress made in newborn screening and treatment strategies for this disease. The review study, “Progress in treatment and newborn screening for Duchenne…
Valproic acid, or valproate, is a relatively safe drug that improves gross motor function in patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), but fails to improve the functionality of specific muscles, including those involved in breathing, a review finds. The study, “Efficacy and Safety of Valproic Acid for…
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