This ARC TALKS Webinar covered information on Medicare basics, choosing a Part D plan, and coverage gaps. ARC was joined by Sylvia Gary from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
Understanding Genetics in Hereditary ATTR Amyloidosis
There are over 120 different mutations that have been identified in the TTR gene and as research continues, it is possible that more may be discovered. Each mutation causes a different pattern of disease onset, symptoms and outlook.
In this ARC TALKS webinar, ARC's own Kristen Hsu presented the most current updates for the clinical trial landscape, with a focus on ATTR amyloidosis.
In this ARC Talks webinar for patients, Dr. Sharmila Dorbala explained the role that medical imaging techniques play in both diagnosing and managing amyloidosis.
In this ARC Talks webinar, amyloidosis cardiologist, Dr. Mazen Hanna discusses the function of implantable, electronic devices in cardiac management of amyloidosis patients.
In this ARC TALKS webinar, the dedicated team behind the transformative initiatives of ARC discuss the impactful work of the Leadership, Research, Development, Communications, and Community Alliance departments.
In this ARC TALKS webinar, Jill Waldron, NP and Rebecca Kirch provide guidance on navigating care choice options for amyloidosis patients and caregivers during health decline.
Dawn, a patient with hereditary ATTR amyloidosis, describes her experience as a hereditary amyloidosis caregiver and patient, experiencing the onset of symptoms, her treatment journey, and advice for others living with hATTR amyloidosis.
Knowing Your Rights: Understanding Health insurance Coverage
In this ARC talks webinar, Alicia Lawrence, Information and Resource Services Manager at the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), discussed health insurance policies within private and government issued insurance.
In this ARC Talks Webinar, Dr. Nelson Leung focused on renal involvement in AL, AA, ALECT2 and ATTR amyloidosis, while discussing treatment and response assessments for each type.
Cardiac and Neurological Approaches in ATTR Management
In this ARC TALKS webinar, Dr. Nativi-Nicolau and Dr. Elizabeth Mauricio discussed the decision pathway in management of ATTR amyloidosis from the cardiac and neurological standpoint.
The Fundamentals of Clinical Trials and Current Advances in Amyloidosis Research
In this ARC Talks Webinar, Dr. Morie Gertz gave a 101 overview of clinical trials, including consideration in how they are designed, and the phases needed for drug development.
Dr. Gertz also discussed current clinical trials that are evaluating the next generation of drugs for the treatment of AL and ATTR amyloidosis.
Hereditary ATTR Amyloidosis: The Role of Genetic Testing and Recommendations for Genetic Carriers
In this ARC TALKS webinar, cardiologist Dr. Ahmad Masri MD, MS and genetic counselor Emily Brown, MGC, CGC discuss the role of genetic testing in hereditary ATTR amyloidosis care, along with providing disease management recommendations for genetic carriers.
Sean, a patient with hereditary ATTR amyloidosis, describes his journey to diagnosis. Over an agonizing seven-year journey to diagnosis, Sean received bilateral carpal tunnel surgery, a hospital trip after a dire cardiac event, and saw multiple doctors fail to diagnose his amyloidosis. In his story, Sean shares the reason he is optimistic about the future and advice he has for others living with hereditary ATTR amyloidosis or still searching for a diagnosis.
Overview of ARC’s Research Programs and Results of the Patient Community Survey
In this ARC Talks webinar, Kristen Hsu, Executive Director of Research, and Sabrina Rebello, Research Manager, provide an overview of ARC’s research programs, share findings from our 2022 community survey results, and highlight the future direction of ARC’s research.
In this ARC TALKS webinar, amyloidosis expert Dr. John L. Berk presents the most current treatment options for ATTR amyloidosis. Dr. Berk also discusses clinical trials and future research. The webinar concludes with a Q and A session.
In this ARC TALKS webinar, Briana Pineau, MS, RD, LDN, a registered dietician at Boston Medical Center, discusses the role nutrition can play in the management of amyloidosis symptoms. In addition to covering gastrointestinal involvement associated with various types of amyloidosis, Briana covers the broader health benefits of a balanced diet.
Many types of amyloidosis can affect patients’ gastrointestinal (GI) tract, causing painful, annoying, or even debilitating symptoms. It is common for patients with amyloidosis to experience GI involvement and in fact, some patients may have GI-related symptoms as their most predominant sign or chief complaint.
In this ARC Talks, Dr. Kevin Alexander, a cardiac amyloidosis specialist from Stanford University, discusses the cardiac signs and symptoms to recognize, treatment and management options for each type of Amyloidosis and the future direction of research in the field.
In this webinar Isabelle Lousada shares her experiences with amyloidosis and the lessons learnt on how to become an empowered and informed patient. Lisa Mendelson, nurse practitioner from Boston University’s Amyloidosis Program provides a valuable medical perspective about how to build a successful relationship with your care team. Original presentation date June 23, 2022.
Many types of amyloidosis can affect patients’ nerves, causing painful, annoying, or even debilitating symptoms. It is common for patients with amyloidosis to experience neuropathy and in fact, some patients may have nerve-related symptoms as their most predominant sign or chief complaint.
In this ARC Talks presentation, Mental Health Matters: Caring for Your Wellbeing, rare disease mental health expert Kym Winter will equip you with the resources and tools you need to take care of your mental health.
In this interactive session, you will be introduced to the Stress Bucket Approach, which is a simple way of thinking about and looking after your own - and others’ - emotional wellbeing in order to live well with the impacts of a rare disease such as amyloidosis. Original presentation date February 23, 2022
In this ARC Talks special presentation, Coffee with ARC, some members of the ARC team will provide an overview of ARC's history and areas of focus, as well as our plans for 2022 and beyond. Original presentation date December 9, 2021
In amyloidosis, common symptoms such as gastrointestinal manifestations and neuropathy are often the most troublesome for patients. In our ARC Talks Webinar for patients and caregivers, amyloidosis experts from across multiple specialties explain approaches for symptom management. Our experts provide you with the knowledge you need to live well with amyloidosis. Original presentation date October 26, 2021
In this ARC Talks Webinar for patients and caregivers, Professor Julian Gillmore, the Head and Research Lead of the National Amyloidosis Centre in London, describes the role of gene editing in hereditary diseases like hATTR, and shares the early results of Intellia’s CRISPR trial. Intellia’s Head of Development for In Vivo programs, Dr. Liron Walsh, joins Professor Gillmore for a question and answer session.
We live in a time of rapid advances in genetic know-how and pharmacological technologies. The pace of discovery is accelerating, driving the development of new therapies, with 3 newly approved treatments. The exact course of hATTR varies with each patient, but the outlook holds promise for all. This booklet is designed as a comprehensive guide to help you and your family navigate treatment resources and options that would be most effective for you.
Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (hATTR) is a rare, systemic disease passed down through families. Caused by genetic mutations in the transthyretin (TTR) gene, it leads to a buildup of abnormal proteins called amyloid in one or more organs and tissues, impairing their function. Left untreated, hATTR can cause life-threatening complications. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to prevent or delay progression of hATTR.
In this ARC Talks webinar, Dr. Kelsey Barrell from the University of Utah explains what causes neuropathy and other neurological symptoms in amyloidosis patients and offers suggestions to help manage these symptoms.
Nancy Verel, a nurse at the Cleveland Clinic, shares her story about her family's journey through her husband's AL amyloidosis diagnosis and treatment. Robert David from BMC Cancer Support Programs provides coping and support strategies for caregivers.
Despite having many of the "red flag" symptoms of amyloidosis, Cece still experienced a delay in diagnosis. Cece shares her story, how a genetic condition has impacted her family, and how a heart transplant changed her life.
Physical and Occupational Therapy – Managing Your Amyloidosis
In this patient webinar, Mayo Clinic's occupational therapist Sarah Dahlhauser, OTD, OTR/L, and physical therapist Sarah Boyd, PT, DPT, discuss exercise principles for maintaining mobility and function, and home modifications for improved safety for amyloidosis patients.
Genetic counselors Emily Brown and Katelyn Swade provide an overview of the science of genetic testing. They also discuss importance of genetic counseling for hereditary ATTR patients and their families.
This webinar covers access to innovative new therapies through expanded access programs with guest speakers Jennifer Miller, PhD, Assistant Professor at Yale University School of Medicine and Alison Bateman-House, PhD, MPH, Assistant Professor at NYU School of Medicine.
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In this ARC Talks webinar, physical therapists Kelsi Schiltz, and Katie Johnson provided recommendations for managing neuropathy symptoms.
Discussion included daily exercises to help mitigate symptoms, what to expect during a physical therapy appointment, and the benefits physical therapy can provide for amyloidosis patients.
53:23 — Can PT help even if I struggle with cardiac involvement?
54:34 — How can I find a PT with amyloidosis experience?
55:52 — Can a PT help evaluate my home so it can work for my needs?
56:41 — Do you have resources for people outside of the US?
57:54 — Can treatment reduce my neuropathy?
Questions Answered After the Webinar:
Q: Do you see double vision issues with amyloidosis? How would/could PT help?
A: Double vision could be a convergence issue with your eyes and this can be addressed in vision therapy with an OT or PT.
Q: Do you recommend core body training to help with fall recovery and strengthening the middle part of the body (e.g. mid-section, arms, shoulders, neck)?
A: Yes, strengthening has been shown to decrease fall risk.
Q: Who can help with accessing in my home a two step stair landing and step down on the opposite side?
A: PTs and OTs (Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists) can do home evaluations and make recommendations and help train you in your own home.
Q: My main complaint is fatigue. Do you have any tips?
A: Follow the pacing/energy conservation tips provided during the lecture as well as on the handout. It will be important that you start to understand what your limits are/after what activities or interactions you start to notice symptoms of fatigue. The goal would be to stop and rest BEFORE you even notice these symptoms of fatigue. I would highly recommend meeting with a Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist or Speech Therapist to start working on this—depending on what resources you have around you.
Start with either taking 5-10 minute rest breaks every hour or complete activities for 20-30 minutes, rest 5-10 minutes, then repeat.
Sit for activities or household chores—showering, cooking, organizing, getting ready, etc
Avoid extreme temperatures
Learn to say no
Communicate needs or signs of fatigue to family/friends so they can help you stop and rest
Q: Is there a specific PT for carpal tunnel caused by ATTR amyloidosis?
A: Our recommendation would be for nerve flossing/gliding exercises rather than low-load, long-duration stretching (Katie demonstrated this during the lecture in the dysautonomia-mobility section). Meeting with a PT (orthopedic or neurologic) will also help to determine some other specific exercises/nerve gliding exercises.
Q: Sleeping posture: is it best to have the legs elevated?
A: Depending on symptoms and diagnoses. Having your feet elevated can increase the fluid/bloodflow back to your heart and kidneys—this may help with swelling/edema, conversely if you have dysautonomia it WOULD NOT be recommended as this can contribute to dehydration symptoms and frequent nighttime urination/urine production. I would suggest asking your provider to make sure feet elevated is the right answer for you.
Q: I have never had an evaluation more comprehensive than a six minute walk test (6MWT). Where would I go for a more comprehensive evaluation?
A: It sounds like you need a more formal, and specific PT evaluation. Consider your largest concerns—pain, neuropathy, autonomic dysfunction, imbalance/gait, falls, fatigue. These concerns might change which type of PT to recommend. In general, I would suggest finding a Neurologic PT (NCS/Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy). They will be most familiar with Amyloidosis and management of this.