View clinical trials related to Motor Neuron Disease.
Filter by:Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurological disorder characterized by amongst others asymmetric muscle weakness, respiratory insufficiency and spasticity. The disease is usually fatal within 2-3 years and until now there is no cure. ALS patients are usually supported by a multidisciplinary team. One of the members of this team is the physical therapist. The aim of physical therapy might be to enhance or to preserve cardiovascular fitness and muscle strength. Some authors suggest, however, that a moderate to high intensive exercise programme might lead to overuse weakness (an undesired fast progression of muscle weakness). The primary objective of this study is therefore to investigate whether regular moderate to high intensity exercise program in ALS can maintain or optimize cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength. A secondary objective is to investigate whether such a programme leads to overuse weakness and if there is a positive influence on patient's disability, fatigue and quality of life.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a rare clinical entity, in which both disorders are variably associated in the same patient or within the family. This adult-onset disorder, which is rapidly fatal, occurs in some families with autosomal dominant (AD) transmission and age-dependant penetrance. Two studies have provided evidence for linkage of this condition to chromosomes 15 (in a single family) and 9 (in five families). However, none of these loci have been yet confirmed. Through a national network of 10 centres with specialists for FTD and/or ALS, we have identified 35 probands with ALS-FTD, including 13 with a family history consistent with AD inheritance. Mutations in the SOD1 and tau genes, respectively responsible for autosomal dominant forms of ALS and FTD, will be excluded by direct sequencing. We will then extend the pedigree of the 13 autosomal dominant families to all consenting first, second and eventually third degree relatives, using well defined criteria for FTD and ALS. The same strategy will be applied to newly identified families during the course of the project (at least, seven families with AD inheritance expected). Linkage studies will be performed in the 20 families using markers from the two candidate regions on chromosomes 9 and 15. Then, refinement of the candidate region will be obtained by analyzing the linked families with a high density of microsatellite markers. This should lead to the refinement of the candidate regions, allowing to search for mutations in candidate genes. Genes located within the critical regions will be prioritized for their analysis by sequencing, according to their expression in the nervous system and to their function. Once the responsible gene(s) will be identified, it will then possible to define its spectrum of mutations and to establish genotype/phenotype correlations. Alternatively, if none of the candidate regions is confirmed, a genome wide search will be performed, allowing to identify one or more loci for ALS-FTD. The same strategy would then be applied to identify the corresponding gene(s). This project should contribute for identifying the molecular basis of this devastating disorder with practical consequences for genetic counselling in ALS-FTD families, and with the perspective of elucidating the pathophysiology of this disorder.
The use of Thalidomide in patients with ALS who have disease progression.
The hypothesis of this study is that treatment with R(+) pramipexole at 30 mg/day will alter the slope of decline in ALS functional rating scale over the course of 6 months. ALS patients at an early stage of disease will be observed for 3 months after enrollment and then treated with drug for 6 months.
CRiALS is an umbrella protocol through which people are recruited to participate in a range of research studies being conducted by the ALS Research Collaboration (ARC).
The purpose of this study is to determine whether the use of sodium valproate is effective in slowing the disease progression in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
The purpose of this study is to determine the safety and efficacy of Myobloc in ALS patients who are having excessive drooling. The primary goal of the study is to determine if the patient perceives a benefit from the Myobloc in controlling excessive drooling.
The purposes of the study are to determine the energy balance and evaluate the nutritional status of patients with ALS, and to investigate the use of NIPPV as respiratory support to treat patients with ALS.
The purpose of the study is to evaluate the safety of sodium phenylbutyrate (NaPB) treatment in subjects with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and the ability to take this medication without major side effects.
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety of injections of botulinum toxin Type A in patients with reduced lung function and focal upper limb poststroke spasticity