Tracking early changes in people at genetic risk for ALS

This is a long-term research study designed to follow people who have a family history of ALS or who carry genes that put them at risk for developing the disease, even though they don't have symptoms yet. Researchers will collect blood samples, medical information, and recordings over 3 years to identify early biological changes that might one day help prevent or slow the disease. The study is funded by the National Institutes of Health and involves multiple medical centers across the country.

Most ALS treatments are given after someone already has symptoms, which is often too late to prevent serious damage. By studying people who are at genetic risk but haven't gotten sick yet, researchers hope to spot warning signs early and eventually develop ways to prevent the disease before it starts.