Author Archives: Brian Murphy, Ph.D.

The symptoms of familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP) may make it harder to enjoy a good night’s sleep. To help you sleep better, in addition to medical interventions, you may want to try sleep hygiene techniques. FAP and sleep FAP leads to damage of the nervous system and can cause peripheral…

Familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP) is a rare genetic disorder caused by the buildup of abnormal protein clumps called amyloids throughout the body. These amyloids can affect several parts of the body, including the heart and the nervous system. The information that follows may help you understand how FAP causes…

At some point in life, most people will go through some form of surgery, including those with rare diseases like familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP). You may need surgery due to an injury caused by an accident, or your disease may reach a point where surgery, like an organ transplant,…

Familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP) is a rare condition that can affect the heart, other organs, and the nervous system due to the buildup of protein clumps called amyloid deposits. Moderate exercise can help to improve your physical and mental health. Benefits of exercise for FAP patients Exercise is widely…

People with familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP) are likely to undergo procedures that require some form of anesthesia, which can carry extra risks for these patients. Here is some information about the different types of anesthesia, and potential complications for people with FAP. What is anesthesia? Anesthesia involves the use…

Familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP) leads to the formation and accumulation of abnormal protein clumps or amyloids. This accumulation can cause issues in a number of different organs including the heart. Research has shown that around 80% of FAP patients have heart problems. So if you have FAP, your doctor…

If you’ve been diagnosed with familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP), you may need to see a multidisciplinary treatment team of doctors — in addition to your primary care physician — so as to ensure that you get the best care. FAP is a progressive disorder that causes a buildup of…

Having a chronic progressive disorder such as familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP) can be both stressful and isolating.  Recreational therapy is a form of treatment that may provide both physical and social benefits to people with FAP. What is FAP? FAP is a rare genetic disorder characterized by progressive damage…

Finding out you have a rare genetic disease such as familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP) can be unsettling, especially if you live alone or planning to do so. There are steps that you can take, however, to help maintain your independence. Learn about your disease The first step is to…

Familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP) is a rare genetic disease that results in the buildup of amyloid fibrils, or protein clumps, in organs that include the kidneys. When this accumulation disrupts the kidneys’ ability to work as they should, a kidney transplant may be necessary. How does FAP affect…