Presymptomatic ALS

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 project, supported by a joint grant from the ALS Association and ALS Finding a Cure, we test if brain functions are different in people who do not have ALS but carry genes that increase the risk of being diagnosed with ALS in the future. 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.

We use electroencephalography (EEG) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to study how the brain functions. EEG measures the natural electrical activity of the brain as brain cells talk to each other. We use this method to understand how different cognitive pathways in the brain, responsible for language, thinking, and processing information, are wired. TMS uses magnetic fields to activate the movement-controlling cells in the brain. We then use electromyography (EMG) to digitally measure the movement response from the muscles. We correlate these measures with the presence of genetic mutations which have been associated with ALS, as well as with clinical measures of motor and cognitive abilities. This helps us understand how brain function and genetics are related, and helps us develop more precise tests for earlier detection of ALS.

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.