Doctors’ early diagnosis of advanced heart failure in a man with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) allowed for timely multidisciplinary evaluation that made heart transplant a viable and successful treatment option, according to a U.S. case report. More than two years after surgery, the man “continues to do well, living with his…
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A hotel ballroom in Orlando filled with laughter as comedian Fiona Cauley performed at the banquet on the final night of the 2026 Annual Ataxia Conference (AAC). The audience responded enthusiastically to her set, which drew on personal experience. Cauley, who is living with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) and…
Alyssa Hammers and her healthcare providers had been trying to determine the cause of her coordination problems, without success. Then, her cousin showed her a TikTok video about living with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA). Hammers immediately recognized the similarities to her symptoms. Despite initial skepticism from her neurologist, Hammers was…
Living with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) can make managing daily activities and maintaining independence more difficult, especially as the disease progresses over time. For example, tremors or other FA symptoms can interfere with getting dressed, cooking, or brushing teeth. Elizabeth Foss, an occupational therapist and one of the…
When you’re living with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA), maintaining independence can become more challenging over time due to mobility challenges and other symptoms. At the 2026 Annual Ataxia Conference (AAC) in Orlando, Florida, the session “Rehabilitation Strategies & Mobility Devices” discussed the value of exercise in the management of ataxias, including…
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…
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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- AAC 2026: Ataxia conference ends with laughter and empowerment
- I choose not to be embarrassed by my disability