Background:
Neurodegenerative disorders can lead to problems in movement or memory. Some can cause abnormal proteins to build up in brain cells. Researchers want to understand whether these diseases have related causes or risk factors.
Objective:
To test people with movement or thinking and memory problems to see if they are eligible for research studies.
Eligibility:
People ages 18 and older with a neurodegenerative disorder associated with accumulation of TDP-43 or Tau proteins
Design:
Participants will have a screening visit. This may take place over 2-3 days. Tests include:
Medical history
Physical exam
Questions about behavior and mood
Tests of memory, attention, concentration, and thinking
Movement measurement. The speed at which participants can stand up from a chair, tap their finger and foot, and walk a short distance will be measured. Some movements will be videotaped. They will be videotaped while they speak and read a paragraph.
Blood tests. This might include genetic testing.
Lung and breathing tests
MRI. They will lie on a table that slides into a cylinder that takes pictures of the body. Some participants will get a dye through IV.
Electromyography. A thin needle will be inserted into the muscles to measure electrical signals.
Nerve tests. Small electrodes on the skin record muscle and nerve activity.
A small piece of skin may be removed.
A skin or blood sample may be taken to create stem cells.
Optional lumbar puncture. A needle will be inserted into the space between the bones of the back to collect fluid.
If participants are not eligible for current studies, they may be contacted in the future.
Are age 18 or older
Have been given a diagnosis by a neurologist of frontotemporal dementia, primary progressive aphasia, semantic dementia, motor neuron disorder, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, progressive bulbar palsy, corticobasal syndrome, Huntington disease or other related adult-onset neurodegenerative disorder OR
Carry a mutation in a gene that causes familial ALS or FTD
Have other major neurological or medical diseases that may cause progressive weakness or cognitive dysfunction, such as structural brain or spinal cord disease, metabolic diseases, paraneoplastic syndromes, infectious diseases, peripheral neuropathy or radiculopathy or other significant neurological abnormalities.
Have an unstable medical condition that, in the opinion of the investigators, makes participation unsafe
Require daytime ventilator support at the time of study entry
Are unable to travel to NIH