Presymptomatic ALS

Background: A long period of deterioration occurs in ALS before the symptoms begin. However, ALS currently cannot be diagnosed until problems with movement start. This means that potential drug treatments are not offered until the brain, spine and muscles which control movement have already been extensively damaged. This limits the chances of the treatment being able to stop or reverse the effects of ALS. A measurement that can detect ALS at an earlier stage, before it causes physical problems, would make it possible to test new drugs much earlier, when there is less damage to tackle. In this upcoming project, we will test if brain functions are abnormal in people who do not have ALS but are at higher risk of being diagnosed with ALS in future (due to their genes). We aim to find tests of brain function changes that can tell us if someone will get ALS in future. With the help of such tests, we could give potential therapies to people with at an earlier stage of ALS, when less damage has occurred and there is a better chance of effective treatment.

To get more information or to express your interest in getting involved as a study participant, contact us and mention which studies you are interested in.