Brain scans of people with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) revealed reduced communication between the frontal cortex and the cerebellum, two-interconnected brain regions involved in planning and coordinating voluntary movement, a pattern that was tied to greater physical disability and cognitive difficulties. At the same time, connections within the cerebellum and between…
Living with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) often involves fatigue, a sense of profound exhaustion that can affect your independence and quality of life. A session presented at the 2026 Annual Ataxia Conference (AAC) in Orlando, Florida, offered practical advice for managing this common symptom of FA and…
Speech and swallowing issues are common with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) and can be challenging to manage. At the 2026 Annual Ataxia Conference in Orlando, Florida, one presentation focused on helping people better understand these challenges, and offered practical tools to support communication and safety in daily…
When you’re living with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA), the period following a diagnosis can be filled with uncertainty, including when you’re preparing for your first visit with a neurologist. At the 2026 Annual Ataxia Conference (AAC) in Orlando, Florida, a recent session provided guidance on navigating an appointment with…
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I don’t often write about my life before Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) symptoms severely altered me at age 25. I don’t think that pining for the past is helpful when I wish to stay positive in the present and hopeful for the future. However, one of my old passions is…
Scientists have created and validated stem cell lines derived from an adult with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) carrying an ultra-rare disease-causing mutation, a study reports. Because patient-derived stem cells can be transformed into any cell type — including muscle and nerve cells, which are most affected in FA, a rare…
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Becoming educated and informed about FA is a good first step. Here you’ll find general information about the disease, including diagnosis, symptoms, and causes.
It helps to know others have been where you are now. Here’s a collection of our columnists’ words of wisdom to help you along on your FA journey.
There is no cure for FA yet, but here you can find more information about current therapeutic approaches, as well as experimental treatments that are in the pipeline.
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