Genetics of Familial and Sporadic ALS
Genetics of Familial and Sporadic ALS
We are collecting blood samples, clinical and family information from ALS (amyotrophic
 lateral sclerosis) patients and their families to identify causes of ALS and ALS/dementia.
The investigators long term goals are to improve diagnosis and develop effective treatments
 that arrest or ameliorate symptoms of ALS, and possibly delay or prevent disease onset in
 individuals at risk for developing familial ALS (FALS). In order to do this one must
 understand how disease develops at a molecular level. Identification of genes that increase
 risk for developing all types of ALS will reveal the pathways of molecular events that are
 involved in ALS.

 The investigators are collecting blood samples, family and medical histories of patients with
 all types of ALS, (familial and sporadic, with and without frontotemporal dementia, and
 primary lateral sclerosis and particular family members. Samples are coded to maintain
 confidentiality. Travel is not necessary.

 As well as seeking to identify new genes implicated in ALS, the investigators continue our
 study of families with known genetic mutations to more fully characterize that disease
 mechanism.

 Linkage analysis and affected relative pair analysis will be used to identify causative FALS
 genes and disequilibrium analysis and association studies are being done for sporadic ALS.

 Results from these studies will provide insight into the underlying disease mechanisms of ALS
 and provide targets for therapeutic interventions.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or ALS and frontotemporal dementia

 -  Selected family members, generally brothers and sisters of an ALS patient, the
 patient's parents

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Under 18 years old