Subtypes of ALS

Background: All people with ALS are currently considered to have the same disease. However, ALS affects movement, breathing, speech and swallowing in different ways, at different, unpredictable rates in different people. It is also now known that people with ALS often experience other problems, such as thinking (“cognitive”) or behavioural problems. This array of differences between people affected by ALS suggests that some treatments may work in some people with ALS but not in others. There is also a risk that useful treatments might be missed if differences between individuals’ symptoms are not taken into account when testing new drugs. We have identified ways of measuring brain function changes that relate to and can predict symptoms that affect individuals with ALS. In this project, we are now building upon this work to look for combinations of these measures to assign individuals with ALS into subgroups with similar disease experiences, which might require different treatments or medical approaches. 

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.