Multicenter ALS Imaging Study

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA · Dec 10, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The Multicenter ALS Imaging Study is a clinical trial that aims to better understand Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) by looking for reliable markers that show how the disease progresses over time. Participants in this study, which includes both people with ALS and healthy individuals, will undergo brain and neck scans using MRI and have their blood tested for a specific protein called NfL. These tests will take place at up to four different times over a year to track changes in the disease.

To be eligible for this study, participants need to be diagnosed with ALS within the last two years and should have a certain level of lung function. They must also be able to understand and communicate in English and be free of any conditions that would make an MRI unsafe. Participants can expect to undergo a neurological exam at the start of the study, and healthy controls will not have any significant neurological issues. This study is currently recruiting and is open to individuals aged 65 to 74, regardless of gender.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• For participants with ALS:
• • \< 36 months since onset of symptoms
• • Definite, probable, lab supported-probable or possible ALS by El Escorial criteria OR definite, probable or possible ALS per Awaji-Shima Criteria
• • Forced vital capacity within the last 90 days ≥ 60% of the predicted value
• • Able to consent for themselves
• • Able to read and speak English
• • Clear of any contraindications for MRI
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Individuals will be excluded if they have any condition that makes MRI unsafe or if they are unable to comply with instructions.
• • All participants will undergo a neurologic examination at enrollment. Control participants with clinically significant abnormal findings on neurological examination will be excluded from the study.