View clinical trials related to Kennedy's Disease.
Filter by:This study proposes to identify acoustic and perceptual markers related to upper motor neuron (UMN) degeneration and lower motor neuron (LMN) degeneration in the dysarthria of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) which involves the degeneration of both systems. ALS patients will be gathered in clinical groups according to electromyogram (EMG) and clinical signs observed in the bulbar site. UMN signs are defined as jaw clonus, gag reflex and pseudobulbar features (lability). LMN signs are defined as lingual atrophy and fasciculations. The dysarthria will be compared to dysarthria of patients involving an exclusive UMN system degeneration (in primitive lateral sclerosis) and an exclusive LMN system degeneration (Kennedy's disease). Patients will be compared to the controls who permitted to establish the standards of the "MonPaGe" tool. MonPaGe is a computerized tool based on a multidimensional and quantified assessment of voice and speech, by a set of targeted acoustic and perceptual criteria.
This is a therapeutic trial study to demonstrate whether Goserelin, a LHRH agonist has benefit in SBMA Objective: 1. To study effects of Goserelin to clinical course of patients with spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy in Thailand 2. To demonstrate physiological and pathological changes in treated patients with Goserelin. 3. To assess tolerability and adverse effect of Goserelin therapy
This study will determine if the drug dutasteride can improve weakness, mobility, functioning, nerve function, and quality of life in patients with spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA). Patients with this inherited disease have an abnormal androgen receptor protein. The male hormones testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) bind to this abnormal receptor, causing damage to nerve cells that innervate muscle and leading to weakness. Dutasteride decreases DHT production. Lowering DHT levels may decrease the harmful effects of DHT to the nerves and improve strength in people with SBMA. Males 18 years of age and older with SBMA who have neurological symptoms and can walk 100 feet (with or without assistive devices) may be eligible for this study. Candidates are screened with a blood test and a review of their medical records and genetic studies. Participants undergo the following procedures: - Blood and urine tests, history and physical examination, assessment of muscle strength - Quality-of-life questionnaire - Tests to assess functional abilities, such walking up steps, keeping the head up while lying down, and other measures - Nerve conduction study and motor unit number estimation to assess nerve damage. A probe placed on the skin delivers small electrical impulses and wires taped to the skin record the impulses. - Quantitative muscle testing to measure strength. The subject pushes and pulls levers attached to a gauge. Strength is recorded by a computer. - Medication. Participants are divided into two groups. One group is given the study drug, dutasteride; the other receives a placebo (sugar pill). All participants take their assigned medication once a day for 24 months. - Follow-up evaluations. Every 6 months for 2 years, participants return to NIH to repeat the tests described above to determine the effects of the dutasteride. Nerve and quantitative muscle testing is not done at the 6- and 18-month visits. - In addition to their follow-up appointments here at the NIH every 6 months, participants will also have blood tests and a physical examination performed after 3, 9, 15 and 21 months of treatment by the patient's local physician.