2026-07-072026-07-07http://salesiana.dossiersoluciones.com/handle/123456789/11605Our understanding of large amplitude pulsating stars and their status in stellar evolution is briefly reviewed. The paper then describes the near-infrared light curves of various asymptotic giant branch stars, concentrating on possible evidence for changing mass-loss rates. The stars discussed include oxygen- and carbon-rich Miras, OH/IR stars, thick-shelled carbon stars and symbiotic Miras. Finally a newly discovered Mira variable in the Sagittarius Dwarf Galaxy is described.Invited Review for JD24 at IAU General Assembly, to appear in: Pulsating Stars - Recent Developments in Theory and Observation, (eds.) M. Takeuti & D. Sasselov, Universal Academic Press, Tokyo. 12 Pages, 6 postscript figures, LaTeX, requires jd24.styAstrophysicstext