Health Insights

Sleep Hygiene for FAP

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…

FAP and Sleep

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…

FAP and Surgery

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,…

FAP and Exercise

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…

FAP and Anesthesia

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…

Respite Care for FAP

Providing constant care to someone who has a chronic disease such as familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP) can sap you physically, mentally, and spiritually. At times, you will need to recharge your body and mind. Respite care can give you the opportunity you need to rest and restore your energy. What…

Echocardiogram for FAP: What to Expect?

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…

Support from Family Members for FAP Patients

Familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP) is a progressive disorder that can lead to multiple health issues that affect your everyday life. Here are some ways in which family members can help support a person living with this rare disease. What is FAP? FAP patients experience severe neuropathy (damage to nerves)…

Your Multidisciplinary FAP Treatment Team

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…

Signs of Depression in FAP Patients

Living with a chronic disease such as familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP) can be overwhelming. The symptoms of FAP, which may include cardiac impairment, infection, extreme weight loss, muscle wasting, and severe peripheral neuropathy, can significantly affect your quality of life and may even lead to depression. The following is…