Clinical Research in Neurology

• To learn more about neurological disorders

• For ALS patients and their blood relatives
• Procedures include donation of a blood sample and an information questionnaire

Crystal Kelly
404-727-1638
crystal.kelly@emory.edu

Validation of ALS Biomarkers

• To develop a blood test to diagnose ALS

• Early or suspected ALS
• Donation of blood sample every 6 months for 18 months
• Optional one time donation of spinal fluid
• Participants compensated $10 for each blood sample and $100 for spinal fluid

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

• A new way to look at the spinal cord in ALS

• Diagnosed with ALS or a healthy volunteer
• Participants must be:
  - able to lay flat for one hour
  - not be fearful of small spaces
  - not have any metal in their body
• Participants will be compensated $50

Sharon Usher
404-727-0942
susher@emory.edu

Skin biopsy

• Looking at nerves in the skin as a marker of disease severity in ALS

• Diagnosed with ALS or a healthy volunteer
• Cannot be on blood thinners (Coumadin)
• Small skin biopsies taken from 2 sites on the leg

Electrical Impedance Myography (EIM)

• A new painless electrical test of muscle strength in AS

• Diagnosed with ALS
• 8 study visits spaced at 1-2 month intervals over the course of one year
• Participants will undergo muscle testing, motor unit number estimation and EIM at each visit
• Parking at the clinic will be paid for

Pre-fALS

• Study looking at people who have a family history of ALS (2 affected relatives)

• Family history of ALS (2 affected relatives)
• Willing to undergo genetic testing
• May choose whether or not to learn results of genetic testing
• Annual travel to Emory

Alzheimer's Disease Research Center Registry

• Longitudinal study of changes in memory

• Diagnosed with ALS and have memory problems
• Yearly memory evaluation by a neuropsychologist at Emory
• Opportunity to donate tissue after death

Tissue Donation

• Consider giving the most generous gift to ALS research

• Essential to discuss and make arrangements well in advance
• Donate nervous system tissue
• Procedure performed at Emory Hospital at no cost
• Should not compromise funeral arrangements