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International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations

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  • What is ALS/MND
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  • Support for PALS & CALS
    • Fundamental Rights for People with ALS/MND and Caregivers
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      • Amylyx – AMX0035
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Genetic Counselling & Testing

In most cases of ALS/MND (~90%), there is only one person in a family that has a diagnosis of ALS/MND; this is often referred to as “sporadic” ALS/MND. In a smaller proportion of cases (~10%), there are several individuals within the same family that have been diagnosed with ALS/MND; this is often referred to as “familial” ALS/MND. This raises suspicion for a genetic cause, as families share similar genes.

There are still cases of familial ALS/MND for which the underlying genetic cause is unknown. Similarly, absence of a family history in sporadic ALS/MND does not necessarily mean that there is no underlying genetic cause.

After an individual has been diagnosed with ALS/MND, they may inquire about genetic counselling and testing. All people living with ALS/MND should have access to, and be provided information on, genetic counselling and testing, regardless of whether they have sporadic or familial ALS/MND.

A consultation with a genetic counsellor will involve discussing the individual’s family medical history. The benefits and potential outcomes of genetic tests, and answers to any questions a person may have about the test or potential results, are also discussed. Moreover, a consultation with a genetic counsellor does not mean that a genetic test will be conducted. Instead, individuals use these consultations to decide if genetic testing is right for them.

The results of genetic tests in people with familial ALS/MND could identify a genetic mutation. Identifying a genetic mutation occurs in roughly 60 – 70% of people with familial ALS/MND.

Our understanding on how often ALS/MND associated mutations occur in people with sporadic ALS/MND is currently evolving, as genetic testing becomes more widely available.

A genetic counsellor or other healthcare providers can discuss options with the individual and their family if there is a positive test result.

To learn more about genetic testing and genetic counsellors, please refer to the resources provided below.

Infographics

The following are the Alliance’s infographics on the topic of Genetic Counselling and Testing.

The Alliance and Genetics
ALS/MND Genetically-Targeted Therapy Acceleration Timeline
Ethical Considerations in ALS/MND Genetics
Introduction to Genetics: What is genetic variation?
Introduction to Genetics: What is your genome?
ALS/MND Genetics: Why is genetics relevant to ALS/MND?
ALS/MND Genetics: Can genes affect the type of ALS/MND?
ALS/MND Genetics: What can we do about genetic ALS/MND? / Genética en la ELA/ENM: Qué podemos hacer nosotros sobre la genética en la ELA/ENM?

Resources

The following are resources from Members of the International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations on the topic of Genetic Counselling and Testing.

ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR GENETICS

A discussion of the risks and benefits of genetic testing in individuals who are symptomatic or have a family history of ALS. Different contexts and potential considerations for individuals who are symptomatic for ALS, with and without a family history of ALS, or those who are asymptomatic for ALS but considering undergoing genetic testing will be discussed


GENETICS – COUNSELLING & TESTING

The Alliance´s Fundamental Rights were updated in 2021 to include the right to have access upon diagnosis to genetic counselling and testing. There are numerous therapies in development for the genetic forms of ALS/MND. For people living with ALS/MND to be able to access clinical trials, and future potentially approved therapies, access to both genetic counselling and testing will be necessary. This webinar touched on; what is genetic counselling and role of a genetic counsellor, what is involved in genetics counselling & testing, availability, awareness of ethical issues surrounding genetic testing , psychological effects of genetic testing and tackling difficult concepts in ALS/MND clinical genetics.


Introduction to ALS/MND Genetics

Recent discoveries are adding significant knowledge to the understanding of genetics in ALS/MND and potential treatments. This webinar provided an overview of the current ALS/MND landscape and an understanding of genetics, so that people impacted by ALS/MND and their families have the basic tools to understand what this means and their options.

 

 

Inherited MND: Introduction

This guide provides an introduction to understanding inherited ALS/MND. It was created by the MND Association (MNDA) as part one of a three guide series. Part one discusses what to consider, such as genetic testing and finding care and support when undergoing these types of consultations.

https://www.mndassociation.org/app/uploads/2019/02/B1-Introduction-to-inherited-MND.pdf

Language: English
Subject Areas: Genetic Testing, Genetic Counselling, For People with ALS/MND, For Caregivers

Genetic Testing for ALS: Fact Sheet

This short fact sheet provides people living with ALS/MND and caregivers information about genetic testing. This includes a description of how genes may play a role in ALS/MND, what the tests look for, and what a positive test means.

https://www.als.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/ALSCAN-GeneticTesting-EN.pdf

Language: English
Subject Areas: Genetic Testing, For People with ALS/MND, For Caregivers

Genetic Testing For ALS

This resource is provided by the ALS Association (ALSA) for people living with ALS/MND. Information about genetic counselling and its benefits are provided. Additionally, this resource supplies information on how genetic testing works and the pros and cons of genetic testing for people living with ALS/MND and their caregivers or family members.

https://www.als.org/understanding-als/who-gets-als/genetic-testing

Language: English
Subject Areas: Genetic Testing, Genetic Counselling, For People with ALS/MND, For Caregivers

Familial ALS

ALSA created this booklet as a resource for people living with ALS/MND and caregivers to learn more about the science behind genetic testing and when a person may want to receive genetic testing. In addition, this booklet discusses the positive and negative implications that a person may need to consider before genetic testing.

https://www.als.org/sites/default/files/2020-04/Familial-ALS-Booklet-DIGITAL-04-17-18.pdf

Language: English
Subject Areas: Genetic Testing, Genetic Counselling, For People with ALS/MND, For Caregivers

About Genetic Counselors

This website is often referred to by ALSA for individuals to learn more about genetic counselling and how they can be a part of your multidisciplinary healthcare team. Although based in the United States, this resource provides foundational information that may benefit individuals living with ALS/MND globally.

https://www.nsgc.org/About/About-Genetic-Counselors

Language: English
Subject Areas: Genetic Counselling, Multidisciplinary Healthcare Team, For People with ALS/MND, For Caregivers

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Care services

  • Genetic Counselling & Testing
  • Mental Health Support
  • Nursing and Symptom Management
  • Nutrition and Swallowing
  • Occupational Therapy and Activities of Daily Living
  • Physiotherapy and Mobility
  • Respiratory Care
  • Speech Therapy and Communication
  • Support for Family & Caregivers
  • Technology

  • Eddy LeFrançois, Diagnosed 1992,  ALS Canada

    Eddy LeFrançois, Diagnosed 1992, ALS Canada

  • Yessenia Hernandez Mendoza, Apoyo Integral Gila A.C., Diagnosed 2018, Mexico

    Yessenia Hernandez Mendoza, Apoyo Integral Gila A.C., Diagnosed 2018, Mexico

  • Marcelo Farinelli, Diagnosed 2006, ABrELA, Brazil

    Marcelo Farinelli, Diagnosed 2006, ABrELA, Brazil

  • Duncan Bayly , MND Australia

    Duncan Bayly , MND Australia

  • unnamed

    unnamed

  • Ismail Gokcek, Turkey

    Ismail Gokcek, Turkey
    ismail_gokcek_alsmnd_tr

  • Ali Var, Turkey

    Ali Var, Turkey

  • Orlando Ruiz, Diagnosed 2001,  ACELA, Colombia

    Orlando Ruiz, Diagnosed 2001, ACELA, Colombia

  • Yolanda Armendariz, Diagnosed 2017 , FYADENMAC, Mexico

    Yolanda Armendariz, Diagnosed 2017 , FYADENMAC, Mexico

  • Paul Launer, USA

    Paul Launer, USA

  • Teddy Hanono Annie, Apoyo Integral Gila A.C., Diagnosed 2018, Mexico

    Teddy Hanono Annie, Apoyo Integral Gila A.C., Diagnosed 2018, Mexico

  • Anthony (Tony) Lynch, MND New South Wales, Diagnosed 2016, Australia

    Anthony (Tony) Lynch, MND New South Wales, Diagnosed 2016, Australia

  • Jette Odgaard Villemoes, Muskelsvindfonden, Denmark

    Jette Odgaard Villemoes, Muskelsvindfonden, Denmark

  • Joanne Pratt, Diagnosed 2011 , MND Australia

    Joanne Pratt, Diagnosed 2011 , MND Australia

  • 83

    83

  • Mauril Belanger

    Mauril Belanger

  • Joyce Rusinak, Forbes Norris ALS Center, USA

    Joyce Rusinak, Forbes Norris ALS Center, USA

  • Robbie Caliste, UK

    Robbie Caliste, UK

  • IMG_1211

    IMG_1211

  • Maurice LeClerc, ALS Canada

    Maurice LeClerc, ALS Canada

  • Alfredo Santos, Diagnosed 2013 , ACELA, Colombia

    Alfredo Santos, Diagnosed 2013 , ACELA, Colombia

  • Ian Gale, MND Australia

    Ian Gale, MND Australia

  • Dawn Morton, Diagnosed 2014 , MND Scotland, UK

    Dawn Morton, Diagnosed 2014 , MND Scotland, UK

  • Margarita Pizarro, Asociacion ELA Argentina, Diagnosed 2017, Argentina

    Margarita Pizarro, Asociacion ELA Argentina, Diagnosed 2017, Argentina

  • Feng Gin Sun, Diagnosed 2014 , Shaanxi ALS Association, China

    Feng Gin Sun, Diagnosed 2014 , Shaanxi ALS Association, China

  • Amparo Muriel Engativa, Colombia

    Amparo Muriel Engativa, Colombia

  • 393647_2252248542053_984912751_n

    393647_2252248542053_984912751_n

  • Tammy Moore and Eddy Lefrancois

    Tammy Moore and Eddy Lefrancois

  • Conny van der Meijden, Diagnosed 2001,  ALS Netherlands

    Conny van der Meijden, Diagnosed 2001, ALS Netherlands

  • Natalya Rybakova, Russia

    Natalya Rybakova, Russia

  • Richard Clark, MND New Zealand,  Diagnosed 2011

    Richard Clark, MND New Zealand, Diagnosed 2011

  • Shera Mukherjee, Diagnosed 2013,  Asha Ek Hope Foundation, India

    Shera Mukherjee, Diagnosed 2013, Asha Ek Hope Foundation, India

  • Armando González Gómez, ACELA, Colombia

    Armando González Gómez, ACELA, Colombia

  • Anita Forte, Les Turner ALS Foundation, USA

    Anita Forte, Les Turner ALS Foundation, USA

  • Carlos Alberto Báez Murillo, ACELA, Colombia

    Carlos Alberto Báez Murillo, ACELA, Colombia

  • Maria Lucia Wood Saldanha, Associação Pró-Cura da ELA, Brazil

    Maria Lucia Wood Saldanha, Associação Pró-Cura da ELA, Brazil

  • Guido De Mets, Belgium

    Guido De Mets, Belgium

  • Michel Perrozzo, ARSLA, Diagnosed 2015, France

    Michel Perrozzo, ARSLA, Diagnosed 2015, France

  • Marcel R. Wernard, Diagnosed 2016,  ALS Patients Connected,  The Netherlands

    Marcel R. Wernard, Diagnosed 2016, ALS Patients Connected, The Netherlands

  • Lachlan Terry,  MND Australia,  Diagnosed 2015

    Lachlan Terry, MND Australia, Diagnosed 2015

  • Glen Elison,  ALS Hope Foundation,  Diagnosed 2019,  USA

    Glen Elison, ALS Hope Foundation, Diagnosed 2019, USA

  • Juvenal Bayona Romero

    Juvenal Bayona Romero

  • Sally Pauls, Diagnosed 2006 , Les Turner ALS Foundation

    Sally Pauls, Diagnosed 2006 , Les Turner ALS Foundation

  • H. Todd Kelly, Diagnosed 2013 , ALS Hope Foundation, USA

    H. Todd Kelly, Diagnosed 2013 , ALS Hope Foundation, USA

  • Colm Francis Davis, Ireland

    Colm Francis Davis, Ireland

  • Elisabeth Zahnd, Switzerland

    Elisabeth Zahnd, Switzerland

  • Debbie Craghill, USA

    Debbie Craghill, USA

  • March of Faces Photo Submission_OLGA_ELA ARGENTINA

    March of Faces Photo Submission_OLGA_ELA ARGENTINA

  • Fabio Carvalho, Associação Pró-Cura da ELA, Brazil

    Fabio Carvalho, Associação Pró-Cura da ELA, Brazil

  • Art Eggert, USA

    Art Eggert, USA

Learn more about the March of Faces

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