Using neuroimaging to understand the mechanism of ALS

Finding treatments for ALS relies heavily on understanding what is the mechanism of the disease and how it progresses. This study aims to use neuroimaging (such as MRI and PET scans) to acquire pictures of the brain that can help to identify and track potential mechanisms of disease in people living with ALS compared with healthy volunteers. The findings will provide understanding related to the cause of the disease and help to track its progression over time. Most importantly the findings will help with the discovery of new targets for the development of treatments for ALS.

Taking Part

What does taking part involve?

The participants will be asked to visit the centre seven times over a period of 12 months.

The visits will include:

  • Physical examinations
  • Questionnaires
  • Taking biological samples (such as blood and urine)
  • Tests to assess motor and non-motor symptoms
  • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scans
  • PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scans

Who can take part?

People diagnosed with ALS:

• aged 25-85
• diagnosed less than 6 months ago with sporadic ALS and limb disease onset
• not pregnant or breastfeeding

How can I take part?

For further information about the study and details of how to take part, please contact Dr Edoardo de Natale on [email protected] or 07503741242.

Alternatively, please contact Mr Martin Howard on [email protected] or 01392 723037.

Study location

London (Imperial Clinical Research Facility and Invicro London) Recruitment is open UK-wide. Travel expenses will be reimbursed for the participant and one companion.

Funding

This study is funded by Invicro London.