Newly diagnosed with Lafora disease?
We are here to help you.
1. Learn what Lafora disease is
Start by understanding the basics. Knowing what symptoms to expect and how the condition typically progresses can help you feel more prepared to support your loved one.
👉 Read our Lafora Disease Overview
2. Talk with your care team
Your neurologist will be an important guide. They can help manage seizures, monitor other symptoms, and connect you with specialists. In addition:
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Ask about genetic testing to confirm the exact mutation
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Request referrals for speech, physical, or occupational therapy
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Discuss what to expect over time
This conversation can be overwhelming, so consider bringing a list of questions and taking notes during your visit.
3. Register for research
Joining a patient registry is one of the most powerful things you can do. It not only connects you with the latest updates, it also helps scientists move research forward faster.
👉 Join the Lafora Disease Clinical Registry (Madrid)
4. Learn about treatments being studied
Although there is no cure yet, research is making exciting progress. New approaches are being explored, including:
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Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) – which may target the disease at the genetic level
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Repurposed drugs, like Metformin – already approved for other conditions
👉 View the Lafora Therapy Pipeline
By staying informed, you’ll be ready when new options become available.
5. Connect with other families
You don’t have to do this alone. Many families understand exactly what you’re going through—and they’re here to support you.
There are several ways to get involved:
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Join our private caregiver network
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Attend monthly virtual meetups
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Become part of our Facebook Group
👉 Request to Join the Support Group
👉 Join the Facebook Group
Even a single conversation can make a world of difference.
You’re not alone
As our founder Linda Gerber said:
“Together, we can maintain hope.”
And that hope starts now—with you, your loved one, and the growing Lafora community beside you.
In Memory of Dr. Joan Guinovart
/by Christine KellyWe are deeply saddened by the loss on January 1st, 2025, of Professor Dr. Joan Guinovart — founder, former director, former researcher, and professor of IRB Barcelona, an international research center devoted to curing cancer and other diseases linked to aging. He was a brilliant scientist and a wonderful human being. Dr. Guinovart’s research was […]