Can lifestyle changes reduce Friedreich’s ataxia symptoms?

Lifestyle changes cannot eliminate Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) symptoms or prevent disease progression, but some alterations in day-to-day living may be helpful; for example, regular physical exercise can help patients maintain their motor function and ease fatigue. Dietary modifications may be helpful for patients who have difficulty chewing or swallowing, and also are important for managing disease complications like diabetes. Many people with FA also benefit from the use of adaptive equipment or changes to their environment that can make daily life with the disease easier to navigate.