Plain-English translation of NCT04715399 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated · Translation generated · How we translate trials
The University of Pennsylvania is building a large research database to help scientists understand neurodegenerative diseases—conditions like frontotemporal degeneration, ALS, Lewy body disease, and Alzheimer's disease. Researchers will collect medical information, brain scans, blood and spinal fluid samples, and genetic data from people diagnosed with these diseases, family members at risk, and healthy volunteers. This shared information will help researchers worldwide develop better treatments.
Right now, scientists don't fully understand what causes these brain diseases or how to stop them. By collecting detailed information and samples from many people—including those with symptoms, at-risk family members, and healthy people for comparison—researchers hope to identify patterns, discover new biomarkers, and eventually develop more effective treatments.
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Participation involves one or more visits to the University of Pennsylvania where you will meet with researchers, answer questions about your medical history and symptoms, and provide samples. Depending on your situation and what researchers need, you may have blood drawn, spinal fluid collected, or brain imaging scans (MRI). Some participants may be asked to return for follow-up visits over time so researchers can track changes. The specific tests you participate in will depend on your health and any medical devices or medications you have.
AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 4, 2026 · Not medical advice
United States
Sponsor
University of Pennsylvania
Collaborators
National Institutes of Health (NIH), United States Department of Defense
Enrollment target
~1,000 participants
Started
May 2020
Primary completion
May 2070
Age range
18 Years and older
Last updated on clinicaltrials.gov in January 2026.
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Central contact
Emily Xie
University of Pennsylvania
Tell us you're interested and we'll help connect you with the research team. We'll walk you through what to expect first — no email needed to get started.