Author Archives: Wendy Henderson

In this video, Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ football player Ronde Barber talks about his involvement with the non-profit organization, Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA), and spokesperson Kyle Bryant talks about what it’s like to live with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA). MORE: Researchers create heart cells to study FA-related heart…

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with ataxia, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed and concerned about what the future has in store. We’ve compiled a list of some of the most commonly asked questions about ataxia using information from the National Ataxia Foundation.

Caring for a child with a chronic illness such as Friedreich’s ataxia can be very stressful and can take its toll emotionally. The Friedreich’s Ataxia Parents’ Group suggests ways parents can better cope with stress, taking some of the pressure off themselves. 1. Have some “me”…

Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) is a genetic and progressive neuromuscular disease that attacks the body’s nerves and muscles. Usually occurring in childhood, symptoms of FA typically appear between the ages of 5 and 18. Fewer than 25 percent of individuals affected by FA develop the disease in adulthood, according to the …

Friedreich’s ataxia is an inherited disease that affects movement and coordination. It’s a progressive disease with symptoms including loss of strength, weakened muscles, spasticity, impaired speech, hearing and vision problems, and in some cases, diabetes and scoliosis. Interested in…

Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) is a rare genetic disorder where the body produces antibodies that limit the production of frataxin, a protein vital for nerve and muscle health. A lack of frataxin leads to muscle depletion and other symptoms. While the disease can develop at any time, it typically presents between the ages of…

In this video from Randall Juip, Claire, a patient who was recently diagnosed with the genetic disorder Friedreich’s ataxia (FA), discusses the cause of the disease, its symptoms, and its history. MORE: Five types of treatment for Friedreich’s ataxia Claire, along with her brother Jack who…

While there is no cure for Friedreich’s ataxia, there are treatments that can help patients manage symptoms and improve their quality of life. Treatment for Friedreich’s ataxia consists of medications, physical therapy, and surgery according to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. MORE: Five major symptoms of Friedreich’s ataxia Heart problems associated with…

Friedreich’s ataxia is an inherited disease that affects movement and coordination. It’s a progressive disease with symptoms including loss of strength, weakened muscles, spasticity, impaired speech, hearing and vision problems, and in some cases diabetes and scoliosis. MORE: Five major symptoms of Friedreich’s ataxia Here are some important facts about the inheritance…

This year’s annual International Ataxia Research Conference (IARC) will be taking place in Pisa, Italy from September 27 to 30. MORE: Life at college with Friedreich’s ataxia Held in the city center of Pisa in the Tuscany area of Italy, conference visitors will…

Caring for a child with a chronic illness such as Friedreich’s ataxia can be very stressful and can take its toll emotionally. The Friedreich’s Ataxia Parents’ Group suggests ways parents can better cope with stress, taking some of the pressure off themselves. 1. Have Some “Me”…

In this video from Georgia Maher, we meet Jamie Lee Dwyer and her sister Sam who both suffer from the rare degenerative neuromuscular disease, Friedreich’s ataxia. It’s estimated the girls are two of between 300 and 500 people living with the disease in Australia.

While there is no cure for Friedreich’s ataxia, there are treatments that can help patients manage symptoms and improve their quality of life. Treatment for Friedreich’s ataxia consists of medications, physical therapy, and surgery according to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. MORE: Five major symptoms of Friedreich’s ataxia Heart problems…

Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) is a genetic neuromuscular disease that can lead to motor control issues and often leads to the inability to walk, problems with the senses and swallowing, and later in life, heart complications. There is no cure for the disease, but there are ways to manage the…

In this video from Merissa Blitz, Alison Avery talks about living with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) while at college. Alison is a freshman at Elon University in North Carolina and is studying human services. MORE: Five major symptoms of Friedreich’s ataxia Alison explains that Friedreich’s ataxia is…

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with ataxia, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed and concerned about what the future has in store. We’ve compiled a list of some of the most-commonly asked questions about ataxia using information from the National Ataxia Foundation. What…

In this video, Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ football player Ronde Barber talks about his involvement with the non-profit organization, Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA), and spokesperson Kyle Bryant talks about what it’s like to live with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA). MORE: Researchers create heart cells to study FA-related heart…

Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) is a rare genetic disorder where the body produces antibodies that limit the production of frataxin, a protein vital for nerve and muscle health. A lack of frataxin leads to muscle depletion and other symptoms. While the disease can develop at any time, it typically presents between the ages…

Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA) is a genetic and progressive neuromuscular disease that attacks the body’s nerves and muscles. Usually occurring in childhood, symptoms of FA generally appear between the ages of 5 and 18. Fewer than 25 percent of individuals affected by FA develop the disease in adulthood, according to the…