Editor's note: This is part of a larger story about the science and effects of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) in ALS. For more information, see When the Thinking Parts of the Brain Go Awry in ALS.

John Shearer and his wife Brenda learned in November 2010 that he has ALS. The couple, who lives in Woodstock, Ga., were told the disease would cause gradual weakening of John’s voluntary muscles, such as those used for moving and breathing.

John, 70, retired four months later in March 2011 from Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, where he worked 41 years as a machinist.

In recognition of National Family Caregivers Month, MDA is shining a light on family caregivers across the nation, via a special interactive caregivers’ website, MDA Salutes Caregivers.

C9ORF72 mutation is most common cause of familial ALS, FTD

Two independent research teams have identified a mutation in the gene for chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9ORF72) as the most common cause found to date of familial (inherited) ALS, frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and ALS with FTD (ALS-FTD).

An MDA-supported team of scientists has demonstrated in rats that nervous system support cells called astrocytes carrying an SOD1 mutation cause neighboring motor neurons to deteriorate and die.

The finding adds to a growing body of evidence that the star-shaped cells play a key role in the motor neuron degeneration that is the hallmark of ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease). Astrocytes normally support and protect motor neurons.

Saying Marvin “Troy” Ellis used to be an active guy would be an understatement. A brick mason by day, the Madisonville, Ky., resident typically was up before the crack of dawn to do the first of his two-a-day workouts. A former high school star athlete, he spent his work days on construction sites, laying brick and pouring concrete. Then on weekends, he’d clean up and put on the clothes of his other profession, an ordained Baptist minister.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the NeuRx Diaphragm Pacing System for treatment of hypoventilation (inadequate breathing) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Two independent research teams have identified a mutation in the gene for chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9ORF72) as the most common cause found to date of familialALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and ALS with FTD (ALS-FTD).