The Genetics Podcast
EP 129: Patient advocacy for genetic ALS and FTD with Jean Swidler, Executive Director of End the Legacy
Episode notes
0:00 Introduction
0:45 Jean’s personal experiences with family members with genetic ALS
10:00 Jean’s thoughts on the barriers and facilitators to providing treatment for those with genetic ALS
13:20 Insights into C9orf72, a common genetic determinant of ALS, and how it can also be associated with FTD
16:10 Jean’s experiences as an active advocate for those with genetic ALS and FTD
20:00 The evening of the playing field between patient advocates and researchers, as well as the importance of hearing both voices
23:40 Future challenges and priorities facing End the Legacy and tying into Sano’s Light the Way study
29:00 The push towards broad scale genetic testing for neurodegenerative conditions and potential legal concerns for preventative screenings
33:00 Lessons learned from advocacy groups for other genetic diseases like Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and more
39:00 Final thoughts on End the Legacy, patient advocacy, and a message to those living with and/or researching genetic diseases
For more information about End the Legacy, please visit: https://www.endthelegacy.org/
To learn more about Sano’s Light the Way study, please navigate to this page: sanogenetics.com/light-the-way
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