Category

Ataxia Awareness
If you’re living with Ataxia—or know someone who is—you’ve probably heard some buzz about new treatments on the horizon. One of the biggest headlines lately is the progress of Troriluzole, a new drug from Biohaven that is currently under FDA priority review for Spinocerebellar Ataxia (SCA). (Read the official news release here.) Why am I...
Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better. Maya Angelou We all know memory changes with age. Words slip away mid-sentence, names disappear, and sometimes your train of thought completely derails. It’s frustrating, and with a condition like Ataxia, even small changes can feel like something bigger...
Health isn’t always about what you fix. Sometimes, it’s about what you support We’re always told to follow our gut. However, that advice might be smarter than we realize, especially regarding brain health. Researchers are digging deeper into the gut-brain connection, and what they’re finding is both fascinating and hopeful. A recent scientific review out...
Living with Ataxia can make challenges with mobility and independence feel overwhelming. However, Ellie Martin shares in her insightful article that a service dog can be a transformative companion. Service dogs offer many benefits that extend far beyond their well-known roles. Finding the Right Match The first step in deciding whether a service dog is...
Lily’s insightful article, “The Importance of Strength (Especially for the Physically Limited),” discusses something many of us can relate to—whether due to disability, age, or even a temporary injury. So, I wanted to share my thoughts on why building and maintaining strength is an essential activity for anyone with physical challenges. Our Bodies are Designed...
The other day, I stumbled across a great quote…. “Did you know butterflies rest when it rains cause it damages their wings? It’s okay to rest during the storms of life. You’ll always fly again once it’s over.” Simple. Poetic. True. It got me thinking: How often do we push ourselves through the hard stuff,...
I saw a question recently about Sleep and Ataxia that stood out: “I’m having trouble falling asleep and staying asleep. Any recommendations?” Sleep issues are challenging for anyone, but with Ataxia, they can seem like an entirely different struggle. Some nights, regardless of how tired you are, your mind won’t quiet down, making it impossible...
Most people don’t think twice about dexterity until it begins to fade. If you live with Ataxia, you may have noticed changes in your fine motor skills over time. Tasks like buttoning a shirt, typing, or even holding a cup of coffee now require more effort and focus.  So, what can you do to keep...
Well, I am a rebel, but I have never considered myself a “degenerate.” Yet, this word now sadly has a ring of truth to it since I was diagnosed with Ataxia. Regular readers of MichaelMantz.com know what Ataxia is. However, if you’ve just stumbled on the site, Ataxia is a degenerative neurological disease that can...
I was flipping through the channels this morning, sipping my coffee, when I came across an interview with Brad Meltzer. He was talking about his new book, Make Magic, which comes out March 4, 2025. As I listened, I couldn’t help but feel like parts of it could have come straight from my writing. His...
1 … 6 7 8 9 10 … 22

My purpose

michael mantz
Life rarely goes as planned. This blog is about navigating what actually happens – major disruptions, health challenges, and the quieter work of figuring out who you are through all of it. I write from inside that process. I have Spinocerebellar Ataxia (SCA 15), a rare neurological condition that shapes my perspective but doesn’t define this space. Some articles are personal. Some are practical. All of them are honest.

More About Me

Follow Us



Follow this Blog via Email

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Popular Post

apple watch - ataxia
Revolutionizing Ataxia Management: The Apple Watch Benefits
December 9, 2023
Degenerative Neurological Disease
You degenerate, you!
March 8, 2025
Cerebellar Ataxia - MIchaelmantz ataxia blogs
Introducing Anoushka Speville
October 10, 2023

Recent Post

Ataxia and Swallowing Difficulties, ,
Choking on Water: When Ataxia Affects Swallowing
November 10, 2026
Invisible Disabilities Week, ,
What You See Isn’t Always What Someone Is Living With
October 22, 2026
AQNEURSA FDA approval ataxia, ,
A Win for A-T Isn’t a Win for SCA15, But It Still Matters
October 6, 2026

My New Stories

Ataxia and Swallowing Difficulties
Invisible Disabilities Week
AQNEURSA FDA approval ataxia
International Ataxia Awareness Day
REM sleep behavior disorder vs sleepwalking
Gyropack for ataxia
occupational therapy for ataxia
Friedreich's ataxia research